Electroconvulsive Therapy in Switzerland

Abstract

Objectives:The prevalence and use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) varies widely across Europe. Historically, Switzerland played an important role in the worldwide spread of ECT. Nevertheless, an overview of current ECT practice in Switzerland is still lacking. The present study aims to fill this gap.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 using a standardized questionnaire to investigate current ECT practice in Switzerland. Fifty-one Swiss hospitals were contacted by email and followed up by telephone. In early 2022, we updated the list of facilities that offer ECT.Results: Thirty eight of the 51 hospitals (74.5%) provided feedback to the questionnaire, 10 of them claimed to offer ECT. They reported 402 treated patients, which corresponds to an ECT-treated person rate of 4.8 persons per 100,000 inhabitants. Depression was the most frequent indication. All hospitals reported an increase in ECT treatments between 2014 and 2017 except for one with constant numbers. The number of facilities offering ECT almost doubled between 2010 and 2022. Most ECT facilities performed the treatment predominantly on an outpatient rather than an inpatient basis.Conclusions: Historically, Switzerland relevantly contributed to the worldwide spread of ECT. In an international comparison, the treatment frequency is in the lower middle range. The outpatient treatment rate is high compared with other countries in Europe. The supply and spread of ECT in Switzerland have increased over the past decade.

Effects of Aphrodite (an Herbal Compound) on SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions and Depression in Females with Major Depressive Disorder: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial

“…As a result of such a lack of effectiveness and of reported concomitant side effects, individuals with MDD may discontinue their medication treatment. As an alternative to antidepressants, other treatment options include (internet-delivered) cognitive–behavioral interventions [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], regular physical activity [ 13 ], electroconvulsive therapy [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], and the intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [ 20 ]. Additionally, older individuals, in particular, may be hesitant to use synthetic drugs and instead rely on herbal products such as John’s Wort [ 21 ].…”