Although ECT is used as a modality of treatment for psychiatric patients in Singapore, there is little research documenting its use and practice.

To examine the practice of ECT in a general hospital over a one year period.

All patients who had ECT were identified retrospectively from our hospital records. The demographics and diagnoses of the patients, indications for ECT, numbers of ECT received and complications from ECT were obtained, recorded and analysed.

23 inpatients were identified retrospectively from our hospital records. The majority of the patient were above 51 years old and 96% had major depression. 51% were not responding to medication, 23 % were suicidal and 3% had catatonia. The average number of ECT given is 5.4. 82% of patients had definite improvement after ECT. The common reported side effects were headaches, bodyaches and minor memory problems. 2% were moderately confused after the ECT.

ECT is a safe, well-tolerated and effective form of treatment for major depression.