Abstract
SUMMARYThis article gives an update for practitioners on recent developments in the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and related treatment modalities in the contemporary treatment of depression in the UK. Details are provided on new information on the efficacy and side-effects of ECT both in research studies and in the real world, together with recent research on ECT's mode of delivery. There is a focus on the safe administration of ECT in clinical practice. An update on the regulatory framework for ECT in the UK is provided, together with up-to-date information on the legal situation regarding its prescription. Finally, brief summaries of the current position for other neuromodulatory treatment modalities are given.
Highlights
35 No capacity receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as already happens in Scotland, where membership of Scottish ECT Accreditation Network (SEAN) is mandatory for ECT clinics and patients’ treatment information is entered on the SEAN database
Data on the outcome of ECT patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment is published each year by SEAN in their annual report (Scottish ECT Accreditation Network 2019)
Their figures consistently show that patients without capacity are more severely ill and have a better response to treatment than patients who are able to consent (Fig. 2)
Summary
Receiving ECT, as already happens in Scotland, where membership of SEAN is mandatory for ECT clinics and patients’ treatment information is entered on the SEAN database. Data on the outcome of ECT patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment is published each year by SEAN in their annual report (Scottish ECT Accreditation Network 2019). Their figures consistently show that patients without capacity are more severely ill and have a better response to treatment than patients who are able to consent (Fig. 2). As mental health and capacity legislation in Victoria is based on the same principles as in the UK, it is likely that a British court would reach the same conclusions
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