| Trends in Electroconvulsive Therapy Utilization in South Korea: Health Insurance Review Data From 2008 to 2018 |
Seung-Hoon Lee1,2 
, Won Seok William Hyung1
, Chae En Youn1
, Suhyuk Chi1,2
, HyunChu Youn3
, Moon-Soo Lee1,2
, Changsu Han1,2
, Hyun-Ghang Jeong1,2
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1Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
2Korea University Research Institute of Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
3Department of Psychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea |
Correspondence: Hyun-Ghang Jeong ,Tel: +82-2-2626-3164, Email: jeonghg@korea.ac.kr
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Received: February 26, 2024 Revised: March 7, 2024 Accepted: March 17, 2024 Published online: July 24, 2024 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
The study aimed to analyze and clinically correlate 10-year trends in the demographic characteristics of patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to provide an overview of ECT utilization in South Korea.
Methods
Using health insurance claims data from 2008 to 2018 retrieved from Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database in South Korea, we identified individuals undergoing ECT based on procedural codes. Descriptive analysis evaluated baseline clinical characteristics, and trend analysis used a linear regression model.
Results
The prevalence of ECT increased by 240.49% (0.405/10 5 inhabitants in 2008 to 0.974/10 5 inhabitants in 2018). The increasing trend was more pronounced in younger and older patients. The proportion of women consistently exceeded that of men. A rise in the proportion of patients with affective disorders, and a decrease in the proportion of psychotic disorders was observed. More antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics were prescribed to patients undergoing ECT. The proportion of ECT sessions conducted in large hospital inpatient settings also decreased during the observation period. Despite increasing global trends, ECT prevalence in South Korea remains significantly lower than worldwide rates.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated an increasing trend of ECT across a wide range of population demographics and in more accessible settings. The comparatively low prevalence of ECT in Korea compared to other countries might be attributed to insufficient mental health literacy and the stigma associated with ECT. Given the elevated suicide rates in Korea, more extensive adoption of ECT appears imperative. |
| Key words
Electroconvulsive therapy; Procedures and techniques utilization; Epidemiologic studies; Mood disorders; Schizophrenia |
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