A Survey of the Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Asia

Abstract

The practice of ECT in Asia may seem suboptimal: schizophrenia, not depression, is the most common indication; most institutions offer sine-wave ECT; unmodified ECT is commonly administered; bilateral electrode placement is invariable in most institutions; electroencephalographic monitoring is uncommon; continuation ECT is infrequent; and no formal training in ECT is available. We speculate that the suboptimal practices reflect felt needs and ground realities in standards of medical care in developing countries rather than a misuse of ECT.