Electroconvulsive therapy – attitudes and practice in New Zealand
Aims and MethodThe clinical practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by New Zealand psychiatrists was surveyed by questionnaire. This paper compares the findings with national and regional surveys conducted in Great Britain, and considers the influence on clinical practice in New Zealand of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' ECT Handbook.ResultsECT has the same level of support from psychiatrists in New Zealand as in Britain, but is less frequently used. Modern brief pulse machines are used by 16 of 19 (84%) services from which data were received. The ECT Handbook was the most nominated source of information on ECT. Most (87%) respondents were aware of at least one set of ECT guidelines. However, these have apparently failed to influence some important aspects of practice. In particular, many medical conditions are still perceived as absolute contraindications.Clinical ImplicationsThe Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists need to place even greater emphasis on the importance of training in ECT for both trainees and qualified psychiatrists, and on the promotion of approved guidelines.