Summary

In this systematic review based in the United Kingdom, percent of patients who perceived electroconvulsive therapy as beneficial varied greatly between clinical studies (around 75%) and patient-led studies (around 30%). Rates of reported persistent memory loss ranged from 29%-55%.

Design

• Review of 35 papers and reports of patients’ views on ECT, mostly from the United Kingdom (from 1980-2002).
• 26 papers were written by clinicians, and 9 papers were written by patients or in collaboration with them (e.g. United Kingdom Advocacy Network, Mental Health Foundation, ECT Anon).
• 16 studies examined perceived benefit of ECT, judged by affirmative responses to statements like “electroconvulsive therapy is helpful” or “I would have electroconvulsive therapy again.”
• 7 studies examined memory loss.

Results

• Proportion of patients who perceived ECT as beneficial varied greatly between studies. In 8 of the 16 studies, 70%-83% of patients found ECT beneficial. However, in the 7 studies that were patient-led, 29%-44% of patients found ECT beneficial.
• Rates of reported persistent memory loss ranged from 29%-55%, but did not vary by study type (clinical vs patient based).
• Methodological variables: positive views of ECT were more likely in interviews conducted in hospitals, by the treating doctor, with fewer questions, and soon after treatment.

Reference

Rose D. Patients’ perspectives on electroconvulsive therapy: systematic review. BMJ. 2003;326(7403):1363–0. doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7403.1363.