Electroconvulsive Therapy in Slovakia

The aim of the study was to review and describe contemporary practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Slovakia. A 30-item containing questionnaire was sent to all inpatient psychiatric institutions in Slovakia. Electroconvulsive therapy was offered in 33 of 36 psychiatric departments and ECT wards that responded. All the psychiatric services except 1 replied to the questionnaire (n = 32; 97%). Sixteen departments (50%) used a sine wave device. Bitemporal or bifrontotemporal electrode placement is evidently preferred option in 93.8% of all departments. The main diagnostic indication for ECT in Slovakia is depression. Both national guidelines and continuing education are missing.