Objectives: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), although is one of the useful and effective therapeutic measures in psychiatry, should only be used in situations that previous research and references have proved it effective, because it is invasive with some possible side effects. The aim of this research was to determine the reasons of ECT Prescription in Razi Psychiatry Center.

Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, all the patients who had been admitted at the Razi Psychiatric therapeutic and teaching hospital from 21/3/2003 to 20/3/2004. Case group were patients who had been treated by ECT, and sampling was done by counting all methods. A questionnaire made by the clinician , which was then completed by the physician who had prescribed ECT, and the indications for using ECT and his/her diagnosis were asked. Age and sex of the patients were also asked in the questionnaire. The results were analyzed by SPSS.II S software. The correlation test and chi – square test were used in appropriate times.

Results: The most common diagnosed potients at the Razi Psychiatry Center who ECT was used for, were as follows 1) schizophrenia 2) bipolar disorder, 3) schizoaffective disorder. The common reasons for prescribing ECT at Razi Psychiatric Center were: 1) resistance to treatment 2) signs of acute psychosis 3) presence of catatonic symptoms. It was found that sex & age had no influence on prescribing ECT at Razi Psychiatry Center (P>0.05).

Conclusion: In regards to the ECT importance and its effectiveness on one hand, and its adverse side effects in the situations, previous research and references not confirming its use on the other hand, it is necessary to emphasis a continuing education for psychiatrists on ECT and also educating the residents of psychiatry and other related groups for the use of ECT.