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The Experience and Attitude after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Taiwanese Patients with Psychotic Disorder

T ien-Chun Li, Shu-Li Cheng, Shang-Wen Chang, Ching-Hua Lin, Nien-Mu Chiu, Wen-Kuei Lee

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 benefi cial 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 benefi cial and they were satisfi ed with it. Our
research fi ndings 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.
Key Word electroconvulsive therapy, attitude, schizophrenia
Editorial Committe, Taiwanese Journal of Psychiatry
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