A report on the introduction of ultrabrief pulse width ECT in a private psychiatric hospital

We report on 6 months of data since the introduction of ultrabrief pulse width electroconvulsive therapy (UB ECT) at a private psychiatric hospital in Adelaide. Results suggest that psychiatrists welcomed the availability of UB ECT, with an increase in prescription of ECT. About a quarter of UB ECT patients changed to standard pulse width (SPW) ECT, but those who did respond to UB ECT had an equivalent response to those who had SPW ECT. Courses of treatment were longer with UB ECT, which was reflected in an increased length of stay.Cherrie Galletly, Tom Paterson and Cassandra Burto