The Need for Re-defining the Essentiality of Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in North India Post-COVID-19 Second Wave

Abstract Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an important modality of treatment in the practice of psychiatry. Subsequent to the unprecedented COVID pandemic, the delivery of ECT procedure was significantly affected. Knowing the essentiality of ECT, we planned to carry out a study with the aim to analyze the clinical profile of patients who had undergone ECT procedure after the ECT services were resumed. The article further describes the operational strategies implemented to make the practice of ECT “COVID safe” to avoid suspension of this essential procedure in future. Methodology: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all the in-patient who was posted for ECT, with the data recorded in the ECT record book after re-initiation of the services from July 20, 2021, to June 11, 2022, Psychiatry Department, PGIMS, Rohtak. Results: The mean age range of the patients was 34.9 ± 11.33 years. Over the period of 1 year (July 2021–June 2022) after restarting ECT post 2 nd COVID wave, the number of patients for ECT services rose steeply in the months August, September, and October 2021. Majority of the patients were diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (38.7%). Majority of the patients were posted for ECT in view of aggressiveness and harm to others (61.3%). Conclusion: The essentiality of ECT cannot be undermined. To avoid suspension of ECT services in the future, the ideal solution is to ensure adequate ECT resources. There is a need for clear institutional guidelines, which should entail the service continuation during unprecedented crisis like COVID-19.