The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Asia: Variations and Deviations From the Guidelines-A Response to Dr Grunhaus.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is widely used in most countries in Asia. There are several regards in which the practice of ECT in this region deviate from the guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Association and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The deviations are a matter of concern but are not surprising, considering that most previous surveys have also documented deviations from these guidelines. We are trying to explain all probable causes of this suboptimal practice, and then, we recommend how to improve the practice of ECT in Asian countries.

Anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy in obese patients.

IMPLICATIONS: Obese patients have successfully undergone over 650 consecutive uncomplicated ECT treatments without any special precautions at two major U.S. medical centers.