The Experience and Attitude afterElectroconvulsive Therapy in Taiwanese Patients with Psychotic Disorder

Objective: In this study, we intended to assess the experience and attitude of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a sample of Taiwanese psychotic inpatients, to review the literatures and to compare with those from the western countries. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted, including 24 medication-resistant psychotic inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in Taipei. The self-report structured questionnaire includes four dimensions: (A) the patients' overall experience and satisfaction with ECT, (B) the possible fears of ECT, (C) comparison to other medical procedures, and (D) the change of attitudes after ECT. All patients were interviewed with the questionnaire one week after their latest session of ECT. Results: The survey results showed that nineteen patients (79.2%) considered ECT beneficial to improve their illness, and 14 patients (58.3%) would like to receive ECT if they became ill again. Fourteen patients (58.3%) preferred take medications to receive ECT. Overall, 13 patients (54.2%) reported that having had ECT changed their attitude about the treatment itself. Conclusion: Many patients in this study found ECT to be beneficial and they were satisfied with it. Our research findings were similar to those studies conducted in the western countries in spite of the diagnostic difference. In addition, psychiatrists need to provide more detailed information about ECT to the patients and their families when ECT is clinically indicated.