French Observatory of ElectroConvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Since the 30s, ECT has been a psychiatric treatment mainly used for drug-resistant depressive illnesses. Clinical studies have shown its therapeutic efficiency compared to standard treatments also in other psychiatric illnesses. Although efficient, ECTs also induce side effects. In France, there is currently no consensus on providing the suitest medical care. It is therefore important to review our nowadays health care models in order to maintain and improve the recommendations of the French National Agency for Accreditation and Evaluation in Health, the last of which date from 1997! Within this context, this project has the dual objective of (1) identifying ECT medical procedure in France and (2) developing research to evaluate and to improve the effectiveness of this treatment.