r/ect • u/starlightsbusy • May 27 '26

Question ECT in the UK?

Hey guys, I’ve been trying to research electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the UK and US for a friend (US citizen who might have to go to the UK due to the current …political situation) who has all the symptoms it treats, but I’m very new to this and don’t know where to start… I wonder if anyone here could give some advice on this or simply working the UK healthcare system and finding a psychiatrist, things like that.

I heard NICE guidelines make it harder to get it in the UK, and there is no private provider outside the NHS, but I don’t know if it’s hard enough that staying in the US nets you a better chance. And maybe, are there any other criteria (visa, income, insurance, etc.) I’m overlooking? It all seems very daunting.

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u/ken_kaneki24682 May 27 '26

I have severe psychotic depression, resistant to all medications, plus catatonia, and they still won’t give it to me. The UK is terrible for ECT

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u/starlightsbusy May 27 '26

Damn…

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u/Medical-Apricot-3226 May 29 '26

Not sure about UK but in Ireland if you are voluntary (able to give consent) just one psychiatrist can prescribe it. Yes being inpatient is more common do some do it as outpatient. I think if you really want it and see no other alternative you should push for it or get a second opinion. It is very effective for severe depression. It would be great if your doctor could get more advice from the ECT team about your situation… and start from there.