This is the first survey of the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the Republic of Serbia. A retrospective chart review
was undertaken including all patients having received ECT in Serbia in 2012. Only one center in Serbia offered ECT in 2012 to a
total of 54 patients (54% women). Thirty-six (36) patients received acute ECT treatment and eighteen (18) patients maintenance
ECT, yielding a ECT utilization rate of 0.05/100.000 population. ECT was delivered with a modern square-wave (brief pulse)
machine with EEG and ECG monitoring. In all cases the electrode placement was bifrontal and treatment modified (with
anesthesia). The most frequent indication was recurrent depressive disorder (66.7%) for both acute and maintenance treatment. The
limited availability of ECT in Serbia raises serious concerns. Provision of updated and effective treatment modalities for severe
psychiatric disorders is crucial and the need for additional ECT services in Serbia is urgent
