Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Objective: The use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) remains one of the best methods listed under the active treatment portfolio for many mental health disorders, including, but not limited to, depression and catatonic psychosis. However, it receives less acceptance among practitioners despite being approved as a safe and effective treatment method for major mental health disorders. While there may be many factors that reduce its wide use, one of the factors relates to the knowledge and attitude of people towards this therapy. Since health professionals receive more exposure to such treatments, this study attempts to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding (ECT) Therapy among potential health professionals, and senior Health Sciences Students enrolled at a college in the UAE.
Methods: Knowledge and attitudes concerning Electroconvulsive Therapy were assessed using the Attitudes toward (ECT) Therapy questionnaire. The survey was completed by (n=235) senior Health Sciences students at the College of Health Sciences based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The sample included currently enrolled nursing Radiography & Medical Imaging (RMI) department students.
Results: Nursing students expressed more Knowledge about Electroconvulsive Therapy than the RMI students. Student exposure to ECT therapy improves their knowledge and attitudes toward it. 
Conclusion: Orientation of nursing students as part of their curriculum to the ECT procedure significantly alters their negative attitude toward the ECT. This is justified in the high result of nursing compared to the RMI students.