Medscape (2/9, Brooks) reports that once again, the Food and Drug Administration is “proposing to reclassify electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from a high-risk to a low-risk intervention,” a change which “the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is encouraging its members to support.” In a blog post, APA CEO and medical director Saul Levin, MD, MPA and APA president Renée Binder, MD, wrote, “[I]t is so important for psychiatrists to take the lead in expressing their views in regard to the role that ECT plays in clinical practice and in the treatment of major depressive disorder.” In an interview with Medscape, Dr. Binder said, “Psychiatrists are in the position of knowing about ECT, and they should provide comments on this issue.” The agency’s “draft guidance on the proposed reclassification and a link for posting comments can be accessed online” here.
Related Links:
— Medscape (requires login and subscription)