Electroconvulsive Therapy in Sweden

Abstract

In spite of a decrease in the number of electroconvulsive treatments (ECT) administered during the decade 1966-1975, ECT is still commonly used in Sweden. About 4 per cent of all patients admitted for psychiatric treatment during 1975 received ECT. Affective disorders and confusional states appear to be the main indications. Treatment is usually unilateral, with general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants, generally using the same type of ECT machine.