Two thirds can't get life-saving ECT treatment

New research from the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows that two thirds of people who would be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can’t access the life-saving treatment because of coronavirus.

Data reveals that 437 out of an estimated total of 600 patients across the UK can’t access the vital therapy used for some types of severe mental illness that have not responded to other treatments. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 33 per cent of those have seen their condition worsen, a further 18 per cent have been admitted to hospital and seven per cent have been detained.

ECT is most commonly used for depression - 46 per cent are referred for life-threatening depression when a rapid response is required. Patients also get referred for depression that has not responded to drug, psychological or other treatments. ECT is given as a course of treatments twice a week, typically for up to eight weeks.

In 2018-2019, approximately 68 per cent of patients were ‘much-improved’ or ‘very much improved’ − 1,361 courses out of a total of 2,004. Some saw no change in their condition and one per cent felt worse.

Angela McGilloway, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “As the health system had to cope with Covid, services had to be reduced or suspended, which meant some of our very seriously ill patients have not been able to get the ECT treatment they desperately need. As a result, many have become more ill and required prolonged hospital admissions. Even though the health service has been quite quick to adapt in these unprecedented circumstances, we need to make sure services resume urgently so that patients can access this life-saving treatment again."