Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry (생물정신의학)

The Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry (대한생물정신의학회)
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A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatrists

전기경련치료에 대한 정신건강의학과 의료진의 인식 및 태도 조사

  • Suk Key Kang (Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital) ;
  • Jin Hyeok Jang (Seoulaloha Mental Health Clinic) ;
  • Eunsoog An (Department of Psychiatry, Yong-In Mental Hospital) ;
  • Nam Young Lee (Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital) ;
  • Se Hyun Kim (Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Yong Sik Kim (Department of Psychiatry, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University) ;
  • In Won Chung (Department of Psychiatry, Yong-In Mental Hospital)
  • 강석기 (동국대학교일산병원 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 장진혁 (서울알로하 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 안은숙 (용인정신병원 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 이남영 (동국대학교일산병원 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 김세현 (서울대학교병원 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 김용식 (노원을지대학교병원 정신건강의학과, 의정부을지대학교병원 정신건강의학과) ;
  • 정인원 (용인정신병원 정신건강의학과)
  • Received : 2023.07.01
  • Accepted : 2023.07.25
  • Published : 2023.10.31
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Abstract

Objectives This study explores knowledge of and attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among psychiatrists in Korea. Methods We emailed questionnaires to psychiatrists to assess their knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT. The present analysis focuses on responses to Lutchman's questionnaire. ResultsZZA total of 293 psychiatrists (260 specialists and 33 residents) responded to the questionnaire. The responses showed positive attitudes towards ECT, with an average approval rating of 77.68%. There were no differences between genders, or between specialists and residents, in knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT. However, psychiatrists generally reported insufficient knowledge and/or negative attitudes toward techniques, methods, side effects, and other factors related to clinical implementation of ECT, as well as a lack of clinical experience. In addition, responses were influenced by personal views. Conclusions We assume that insufficient knowledge, lack of experience with the advanced technologies and methods of modern ECT, and negative perceptions of side effects limit the use of ECT for treating mental disorders. Further research aimed at improving knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT among psychiatrists is needed to enhance therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of mental disorders.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by a grant of the Korea Mental Health R&D Project, funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: HL19C-0051-010019) and partly supported by the research fund of the Yong-In Institute of Psychiatry affiliated with the Yong-In Hospital Maintenance Foundation, a medical corporation.

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