A Survey of ECT Use in Asia.

A questionnaire was mailed to 100 hospitals involved with medical education in 13 Asian countries. Replies were received from 36. The authors compare electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) usage in Asian countries with that in the United States. Marked similarities occur in response rate, number of treatments, and treatment techniques. Differences in anesthesia are associated with a seemingly higher incidence of injury. Bilateral electrode placement and maintenance ECT are widely used.