# Electroconvulsive therapy use in New South Wales between 1944 and 1949

## TL;DR

This study examines the use of electroconvulsive therapy in New South Wales from 1944 to 1949, revealing broader clinical applications and consistent gender and mortality patterns.

## Contribution

The paper provides historical insight into ECT usage and clinical indications in mid-20th century NSW.

## Key findings

- ECT was used for non-affective and affective psychoses as well as confusional states and non-psychotic disorders.
- Better outcomes were observed for depression, anxiety, and confusional states compared to non-affective psychoses.
- Mortality remained under 1% and the female-to-male ratio for ECT recipients stayed consistent.

## Abstract

To identify clinical and other factors associated with the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in New South Wales for the period 1944–1949 and to compare with contemporaneous practice.

Annual reports of the Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals in NSW (1944/45 to 1948/49) were examined.

Seven hospitals reported a total of 8964 courses of treatment during the period. Demographically, 60.6% of patients who received ECT were female, and rural hospitals reported 13.6% of courses. ECT was as likely to be given for non-affective psychoses (37.7%), as for affective psychoses (35.0%). ECT was also administered for confusional states and non-psychotic disorders. Better outcomes were observed for depression, anxiety and confusional states than non-affective psychoses. Recovery rates declined over the study period. Mortality was <1%.

The clinical indications for ECT in the mid-twentieth century in NSW were much broader than currently. There has been no change in the sex ratio of patients administered ECT or reported mortality.