Experiences and attitudes of UK early career psychiatrists towards electroconvulsive therapy

TL;DR

UK early career psychiatrists generally view ECT as safe and effective, though they have mixed opinions about its side effects and risks.

Contribution

This study provides insights into the attitudes and experiences of UK psychiatric trainees regarding ECT.

Findings

Most respondents witnessed and administered ECT during training.

Most agreed ECT is safe and effective, but views on side effects were mixed.

A minority were unsure about ECT's long-term side effects and contraindications.

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe major depressive disorder, manic episodes, and catatonia. Despite this, it is a controversial treatment amongst patients, carers, and even some psychiatrists in the UK.

To determine the experiences and perceptions of UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists regarding the use of ECT in clinical practice.

An anonymous survey was distributed online to UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists across the country. The questionnaire consisted of 36 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions.

So far, 44 trainees and early-career psychiatrists have responded. The vast majority had witnessed ECT administration during training and had administered ECT under supervision. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ECT was a safe and effective treatment, and most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that ECT is cruel or outdated. There were more varied views regarding perceptions of side effects and contraindications: a minority of respondents were unsure about whether ECT had long-term side effects, and whilst most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that ECT has many risks and contraindications, just under half were unsure or agreed.

Most UK psychiatric trainees and early-career psychiatrists have experience of ECT during training and believe ECT is a safe and effective treatment. Respondents had a mixed view regarding the side-effect profile and risks/contraindications of ECT, which may be an important area for further education and training.

None Declared