The use of ECT within the veterans administration hospital system

Abstract

Survey data describing present patterns of ECT use within the VA hospital system is presented, with particular focus on ECT technique. Seventy-four percent of the VA psychiatric services possessing an ECT capability responded. The results show that during 1977, most VA hospitals with inpatient psychiatric services (56%) still utilized ECT, with an estimated 3.1% of depressed psychiatric inpatients treated with this modality, versus 0.21% for schizophrenics. As of the summer of 1978, one-third of ECT treatment series were being given with unilateral electrode placement, and there is growing acceptance of ECT equipment that utilizes low-energy brief pulse stimuli and other technical refinements. All respondents reported the use of muscle relaxation and general anesthesia.