Frequency of electroconvulsive therapy use at a provincial mental hospital: a retrospective study.

In this retrospective study the frequency of electroconvulsive therapy use in the Waterford Hospital, a provincial mental hospital over a period of 14 years is examined. The results indicate that the use of electroconvulsive therapy has declined significantly. The three local general hospitals, St. Claire's Mercy Hospital, The Grace Hospital and the General Hospital have also experienced a decline in the use of electroconvulsive therapy. The potential reasons for this decline are explored and the findings are discussed particularly in the context of a 1986 study that found high rates of electroconvulsive therapy use at the Waterford Hospital.