Electroconvulsive Therapy in Incapable Patients Refusing Treatment: Prevalence, Effectiveness, and Associated Factors

Conclusions In line with other recent publications, our data suggest a very good benefit-to-risk ratio for ECT in incapable patients refusing the treatment, while at the same time the provision of ECT in such patients is rare in Germany. In light of the scarcity of treatment alternatives and the possible consequences of a refusal to perform ECT in life-threatening conditions, a general rejection of involuntary ECT does not seem ethically appropriate.
Source: The Journal of ECT - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Original Studies Source Type: research