Use of ECT in the United States in 1975 and 1980.

The authors examined data from the National Institute of Mental Health regarding the use of ECT in the United States in 1975 and 1980. A total of 33,384 hospitalized patients were treated with ECT in 1980, representing 2.4% of all patients hospitalized in psychiatric facilities. The use of ECT decreased by 46% between 1975 and 1980. Of the type of facilities surveyed, only public general hospitals did not decrease their use of ECT. Patients with affective disorders received 69.8% of the ECT given, and patients with schizophrenia received 16.6%. Although more women than men received ECT, diagnosis and age were more important factors than sex.