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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy of severe psychiatric conditions. ECT is often perceived negatively by the general public, however the negative perspective of ECT is in contrast with a real perspective of ECT by patients themselves and their relatives. In this study we have observed patients (N=67) and their relatives - mostly family members (N=50), who have been treated with ECT at the Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague. Both groups have filled a questionnaire after finishing the treatment (series of ECT), which evaluated the effectivity, awareness, and possible pressure to undergo the treatment. Part of the questionnaire was also to evaluate side effects and willingness to repeat ECT again in the future, if indicated. Most of the patients (over 80%) were content with the treatment, they considered it effective, and they were not afraid to undergo ECT again, despite approximately one third of the group reporting to experience some form of mild adverse effects. Patients' relatives had also similarly positive attitude towards ECT, which was used to treat their close ones. Positive feedback from patients themselves and their relatives can help to reduce the stigmatization of ECT, which can help future patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the evolution of the stigmatizing public view on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is a highly effective method of treatment of serious mental illnesses. It has been in use for over 80 years and in some indications, its efficacy has yet to be surpassed by alternative methods. Modernization of the method led to significant minimalization of adverse effects. Despite this, ECT is still perceived negatively by the public. In the article, the authors describe the sources of this stigmatization. ECT has been influenced negatively especially by its portrayal in the movie industry, but also in the new media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The work follows the already published part 1 (Electroconvulsive Therapy in Pregnancy: Safety and Effectiveness) and deals with the ECT side effects and safety recommendations. The most common side effect in the fetus is transient fetal bradyarrhythmia and maternal vaginal bleeding, premature uterine contraction and induction of premature labor in the mother, but nevertheless the ECT is considered to be relatively safe and effective during all three trimesters of pregnancy. This is a sure therapeutic alternative for a certain group of pregnant women who can not be further treated with psychopharmacs or to prevent side effects of psychopharmacs in the mother and teratogenicity and toxicity in the fetus. Respecting of the safety recommendations to minimize potential side effects and optimizing treatment is necessary when treating pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents analysis of reviews dealing with the safety and effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of serious mental illnesses in the population of pregnant women. The effectiveness and safety of the ECT is good and comparable with pharmacotherapy in all three trimesters of pregnancy, with the rapid onset of action and low risks of adverse events. The most common indication for ECT in pregnant women is insufficient treatment response, intolerance of psychopharmacs or prevention of teratogenicity and toxicity in the fetus due to pharmacotherapy. Effectiveness of electroconvulsive treatment in pregnant women are comparable to the non-pregnant population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective biological method of treatment in psychiatry, which has been applied for almost 80 years. In spite of its provable efficiency, this method raises stigmatization by general public. This attitude comes from historic experiences with this treatment and it is not based on real justification today. This article brings detailed overview of development of electroconvulsive therapy with focus on experimental and clinical experiences with this treatment in its beginnings. The authors summarize development of treatment indications and contra-indications, changes of technical and other treatment parameters and the occurrence of sideefects. Attention is also paid to historic aspects of this treatment in czech psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]