Electroconvulsive therapy in Ibadan.

An analysis of the result of administering electroconvulsive therapy (E.C.T.) to 292 patients suffering predominantly from psychosis and depression is presented. The results show that the courses of E.C.T. administered range from three to twenty-five. The most frequently administered course was six to eight. Favourable response to treatment was reported in all diagnostic groups immediately after completing the course but less so in cases of depression and paranoid schizophrenia. The reasons thought to account for this were discussed. It is concluded that there is need for careful selection of patients for E.C.T.