Family Experiences of Caring for Relatives Who Have Received Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• Published in: Australian social work Vol. 71; no. 1; pp. 86 - 97
• Main Authors: Mignone, Samantha, Zufferey, Carole, De Anstiss, Helena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 01-01-2018; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Community health care; Constructionism; ECT; Electroconvulsive therapy; FAMILIES; Families & family life; Family; Health problems; Hospitals; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; MENTAL HEALTH; Mental health care; Mental health services; Occupational roles; Preventive medicine; Relatives; Social environment; Social Stigma; Social Work; SOCIAL WORKERS; Stigma; Support groups; AUSTRALIA
• ISSN: 0312-407X; 1447-0748
• DOI: 10.1080/0312407X.2017.1352001

The research literature on family members' experiences of the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is limited. This article explores the perspectives of family members whose relatives had received ECT. Drawing on a social constructionist perspective, this qualitative study collected data using in-depth interviews with nine families in South Australia, to examine how family members constructed the supports and challenges they experienced. The research found that families experienced a range of social and service system barriers, including social stigma and isolation, and limited support from health professionals. They had to negotiate caring expectations within a social context that stigmatised both mental illness and ECT. A need for ECT-specific mental health support groups was identified.
IMPLICATIONS
Social workers' roles in Australian hospitals could be further expanded to accommodate supporting families whose relatives have received ECT, referring families to community support, and advocating for specialist support post-ECT treatment.
Social workers can further articulate their unique contribution to community care post-ECT treatment and advocate for supporting families.
Increased focus on ongoing and preventative care for supporting families is a potential growth area for social workers in mental health.