ReviewIndian journal of psychiatry2026
Electroconvulsive therapy research in India: A scoping review.
Review in Indian journal of psychiatry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), since its introduction, remains one of psychiatry's most effective treatments. India has contributed substantially to research across its clinical, technical, ethical, and sociocultural dimensions. Despite this extensive body of work, the evidence has remained scattered and heterogeneous, without a single comprehensive synthesis. Aim: The present review sought to systematically summarize the scope of ECT research conducted in India. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of major databases and Indian psychiatric journals was undertaken, and eligible studies were narratively synthesized. Results: A total of 270 articles were included. The findings demonstrate effectiveness of ECT in schizophrenia, depression, mania, and catatonia. Research on ECT parameters has refined understanding of stimulus dosing, seizure thresholds, pulse widths, and electrode placements, contributing to safer and more individualized treatment delivery. Literature on adverse effects indicates that most cognitive and noncognitive effects are transient and can be systematically monitored using structured tools. Anesthesia-related studies highlight agents that optimize seizure quality and cardiovascular stability, with propofol, etomidate, and ketamine offering distinct advantages. Adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine and esmolol effectively moderate sympathetic responses. Knowledge-attitude-practice studies reveal persistent knowledge gaps and media-driven stigma, although educational interventions improve perceptions. Legal and ethical discussions predominantly address challenges following the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Additional literature addresses neurobiology, biomarkers, device development, service delivery trends, including COVID-19-related disruptions. Conclusion: Overall, Indian ECT research is broad and methodologically diverse, yet important gaps remain, particularly regarding long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, qualitative perspectives, and ultrabrief pulse ECT. Addressing these gaps, enhancing awareness, and strengthening service capacity remain paramount.
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Registered trials
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