Audit of thrice- versus twice-weekly ECT.

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of knowledge regarding some basic differences between different electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment schedules.

OBJECTIVES

To examine differences, including ECT technical parameters and length of stay, between thrice- and twice-weekly ECT treatment schedules.

METHODS

Prospective audit of the changeover period of administering thrice- to twice-weekly ECT in a Dublin psychiatric hospital.

RESULTS

Twice-weekly ECT was associated with significantly lower total electricity dosage administered, a tendency toward shorter overall hospital stay and fewer ECT treatments compared to thrice-weekly ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the current international trend toward giving ECT twice weekly.