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Patients Who Break Their Fast Before ECT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

G. E. Berrios*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital (Level 4), Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Geoff Sage
Affiliation:
Friends Ward, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge
*
Correspondence

Abstract

Of 81 patients receiving ECT during a period of 24 months, 21 ate or drank something, against medical advice, shortly before ECT was due. Compared with controls, the fast-breakers were less often married; were more likely to be detained under a section of the Mental Health Act; had an unfavourable view of ECT; and had often not given consent for ECT. Fast-breaking was more likely to occur after four or more ECTs. Amongst the fast-breakers there was a significant correlation between age and (a) number of previous ECTs; (b) treatment at which the fast-break occurred. The more drugs the patient was taking the more likely it was that the fast would be broken early in the course of ECT.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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