Effectiveness of, access to and need for electroconvulsive therapy in forensic psychiatric hospitals: a survey in Germany and Switzerland.

Objective: Patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Although TRS is a frequent problem in forensic hospitals, ECT is rarely used in this setting. This study investigates the availability and implementation of ECT in forensic hospitals in Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, we collected anonymized clinical data of patients treated with ECT.

Methods: A digital survey was sent to all forensic psychiatric hospitals in Germany and Switzerland. The questionnaire comprised general information (hospital structure, use of ECT) and an optional second part for patients treated with ECT during the last 12 months.

Results: 41 German and 4 Suisse hospitals responded, of which the majority stated to have the possibility to offer ECT. The estimated percentage of patients with ECT indication was 7.35% (360 patients) and 7.5% (13 patients), respectively. However, only 38 patients were actually treated with ECT over a period of 12 months. Slightly over 50% of the patients were responders according to the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale.

Conclusion: Our study presents the largest population of patients with TRS treated with ECT in forensic hospitals to date. Compared to 2018, there was a marked increase in the proportion of patients for whom ECT was considered indicated. Patients treated with ECT experienced a reduction in both symptom severity and the need for restraints. The response rate aligns with matching data from non-forensic populations. In view of these promising results, prospective controlled observational studies are needed to further strengthen the evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECT in forensic populations.