Improving relapse prevention after successful electroconvulsive therapy for patients with severe depression: completed audit cycle involving 102 full electroconvulsive therapy courses in West Sussex, United kingdom.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether current guidance or consensus regarding continuation pharmacotherapy after successful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was being followed by referring clinicians in West Sussex, United Kingdom.

Methods: A complete audit cycle examining psychotropic medication after successful ECT for patients with severe depression was performed. Clinical and ECT records (electronic and paper) were reviewed, and relapse rates in the 4 commonly prescribed psychotropic medication groups were compared.