AIMS OF STUDY


Until recently inadequate information has been available about certain aspects of the ECT in Iraq, particularly about the extent to which the treatment is used, the number of complications which occur, and the generally accepted indications for this treatment.



We felt that hat it would be important to clarify these issue, and for these purposes we carried out this study.

Furthermore we wanted to study the extent to which anesthesia is administered.


It is our impression that many patients as well as doctors have mistaken ideas concerning ECT.
For example, some people appear to have the idea that it is almost barbaric method and may cause brain damage. It is also our impression that most of people, including many doctors, are reluctant to use this form of treatment because of insufficient knowledge about the technique of administration and about the electrical factors involved in the treatment and it s beneficial effect.


Treatment with drugs does not have the same aura of extra ordinaries that ECT has.
This study tries to discuss the above ideas.