A Western Australian Survey On Public Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of                 Electroconvulsive Therapy

Teh, Serene P.C.; Helmes, Edward; Drake, Deirdre

doi:10.1177/0020764006074522

Cited by 39 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…A qualitative study, exploring the decision making toward ECT in older adults, identified stigma as a major hurdle in electing to ECT (Amazon, McNeely, Lehr, & Marquardt, ), but to our knowledge, except from general studies of attitudes toward ECT (Aoki et al., ), no studies have thoroughly explored the stigma related to ECT. Addressing and incorporating both individual and structural factors in the study designs of stigma is recommended (Corrigan & Shapiro, ; Pescosolido, Martin, Lang, & Olafsdottir, ), but to date, research does not specifically document the voices of professional experts, such as clinicians, politicians, or journalists, despite the fact that legislation and the media are often mentioned as important determining factors in attitudes toward ECT (Dowman et al., ; Fink, ; Teh, Helmes, & Drake, ). As such, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and attitudes of former recipients of ECT and of experts professionally involved with ECT to identify processes of stigmatization and potential anti‐stigma strategies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The perspectives of former recipients and experts on stigmatization related to electroconvulsive therapy in Denmark: A focus group study

Kring

Bergholt

Midtgaard

2018

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has existed worldwide for nearly 80 years. ECT is a fast-working and potentially life-saving treatment, but it is considered controversial. Although frequently mentioned, stigmatization in relation to ECT has not been systematically explored so far. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper provides new insight into both recipient and expert perspectives on ECT. It identifies several issues of stigmatization related to ECT and suggests that full recovery following ECT might be jeopardized due to both stigmatization and self-stigmatization. The study suggests that most of the stigmatizing behaviors can be ascribed to (a lack of) available knowledge of and experience with ECT. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Being aware of and listening to the needs of former ECT-recipients seems essential to increase their treatment options and support care as well as a will to prioritize this patient group. For example, by addressing the potential stigma issues in follow-up groups and helping to distribute sober, factual information about ECT in society. Providing written information and psychoeducation for patients and relatives before, during, and after ECT, in addition to supporting active use of diaries, might be valuable remedies for helping patients feel adequately informed and able to accept the pros and cons of ECT during and after treatment period. ABSTRACT: Introduction Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has existed worldwide for nearly 80 years. Although fast-working and potentially life-saving treatment, ECT is regarded as a strongly controversial treatment and stigmatization is frequently mentioned in relation to it. However, no systematic research in this area has taken place so far. Aim The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and attitudes of former recipients of ECT and of experts professionally involved with ECT to identify potential stigmatization. Method Two focus groups, one comprising four recipients of ECT and the other seven professional experts, were conducted. Data from each focus group were analyzed separately using a framework-analysis. Results The analysis yielded three major themes for the first focus group interview: ambivalent attitudes, discrediting and exclusion, and survival strategies and three major themes for the second focus group interview: dramatic depictions of ECT, an overlooked and rare treatment, and anti-stigmatization strategies. Discussion and implications for practice Stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors in relation to ECT are closely related to one's personal and factual knowledge, and there is a great need for multi-facetted approaches if social acceptance and recognition are to be achieved. This study provides new knowledge on a scarcely examined area while also introducing suitable methods for anti-stigmatization and empowerment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The perspectives of former recipients and experts on stigmatization related to electroconvulsive therapy in Denmark: A focus group study

Kring

Bergholt

Midtgaard

2018

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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“…The literature indicates that ECT is an efficacious treatment, with adverse ef-fects mostly limited to transient cognitive impairment (1,2). Despite this favorable side-effect profile, the public at large tends to perceive ECT as potentially harmful (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In one study, younger age, cultural factors (e.g., language), and exposure to individuals with mental illness were predictors of less favorable perceptions (2).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electroconvulsive Therapy Intolerance

Heiberger

2019

AJP Residents' Journal

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“…Public opinion seems to continue to perceive ECT unfavorably, especially as information about its safety is not well dispersed. A public opinion survey conducted by the department of Justice in Western Australia found that most of the respondents who indicated they had some knowledge about the main aspects of ECT opposed its use in children [109]. However, the respondents were not particularly involved in the ECT process and were not necessarily exposed to patients receiving ECT.…”

Section: Public Opinion and Attitudesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents

Shoirah¹,

Hamoda

2011

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a recognized and effective treatment in adults for several psychiatric and neurological conditions in which the use of pharmacotherapy is ineffective, untimely or contraindicated. It has been used with success in mood and psychotic disorders, catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinson's disease and intractable seizures. Its benefits have been recognized and its risks identified through an extensive body of research. The benefits of ECT are not limited to the adult population; research has been conducted on its use in child and adolescent populations for decades. In 2004, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published practice parameters for the use of ECT in adolescent populations. However, ECT continues to be underused in cases where it is clearly indicated. In this article, we review the use of ECT in the adolescent population; its indications, administration, contraindications and risks, with emphasis on articles published after the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry practice parameters were formulated. We also review reasons behind the underutilization of ECT in adolescents for whom this treatment modality is indicated.

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A Western Australian Survey On Public Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract: The findings suggest that clinicians should ensure that individuals recommended for ECT are knowledgeable about basic ECT processes and implications in order to ensure their full informed consent.

Cited by 39 publications

References 24 publications

The perspectives of former recipients and experts on stigmatization related to electroconvulsive therapy in Denmark: A focus group study

The perspectives of former recipients and experts on stigmatization related to electroconvulsive therapy in Denmark: A focus group study

Electroconvulsive Therapy Intolerance

Electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents

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