Electroconvulsive Therapy in Nigeria.

An overview of the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Nigeria is presented. Unmodified ECT with bilaterally placed electrodes remains the main method of administration and is widely used for all forms of functional psychoses. ECT is used as an adjunct to chemotherapy both for inpatients and outpatients. Complications associated with the therapy are relatively few. Despite the use of unmodified ECT since 1952, there has been no report of tardive (spontaneous) seizures in patients treated by this method. In view of the widespread usage, a continuing assessment of the therapy and guidelines for its use in Nigeria seem desirable.