The authors examined data from the National Institute of Mental Health
regarding the use of ECT in the United States in 1975 and 1980. A total of
33,384 hospitalized patients were treated with ECT in 1980, representing
2.4% of all patients hospitalized in psychiatric facilities. The use of ECT
decreased by 46% between 1975 and 1980. Of the type of facilities surveyed,
only public general hospitals did not decrease their use of ECT. Patients
with affective disorders received 69.8% of the ECT given, and patients with
schizophrenia received 16.6%. Although more women than men received ECT,
diagnosis and age were more important factors than sex.Abstract Teaser