08.11.2006 - Source: European Commission

Significant discrepancies in the quality of services for mental health ("Turkey 2006 Progress Report") [ID 19713]

"As regards mental health, there are significant discrepancies in the quality of services, which is particularly poor in some rural areas. The largest psychiatric hospital in Turkey abolished the use of unmodified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, Turkey has yet to ban this practice throughout the country and establish written guidelines regarding the administration of modified ECT as part of an individualised treatment plan. Ongoing work, in co-operation with the World Bank, to establish a strategy in this area needs to be intensified, with a view in particular to establish a mental health law. Rehabilitation centres generally lack adequate infrastructure, resources and qualified personnel. Mentally disabled living with family members receive little assistance from the state."

Document(s): Open document

06.09.2006 - Source: Council of Europe - European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as form of treatment for psychiatric patients; concerns regarding the administration of ECT ("Report to the Turkish Government on the visit to Turkey carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 7 to 14 December 2005 [CPT/Inf (2006) 30]") [ID 18872]

For further information on the use of ECT in Adana Mental Health Hospital and Bakõrköy Mental and Psychological Health Hospital in Istanbul consult the original document

"Electroconvulsive therapy is a recognised form of treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from some particular disorders. However, like certain other forms of therapy, its administration must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards.

The CPT is particularly concerned when it encounters the administration of ECT in its unmodified form (i.e. without anaesthetic and muscle relaxants). As was emphasised in the report on the 1997 visit to Turkey, use of this outdated method entails a heightened risk of untoward medical consequences and can lead to situations which could justifiably be described as degrading.

[...] the CPT is seriously concerned by the current procedures for the administration of ECT observed in the Adana and Bakõrköy Hospitals, and in particular by the continuing frequent recourse to this treatment in its unmodified form."

Document(s): Report
Government response [CPT/Inf (2006) 31]

06.09.2006 - Source: Council of Europe - European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Patients' living conditions at Adana Mental Health Hospital ("Report to the Turkish Government on the visit to Turkey carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 7 to 14 December 2005 [CPT/Inf (2006) 30]") [ID 18874]

"The CPT must express concern about the patients` living conditions observed by its delegation in certain parts of Adana Mental Health Hospital. There was considerable overcrowding in several of the units, with patients sleeping on the floor, with or without mattresses, or sharing beds with other patients. The overall ward design and atmosphere was custodial, with prison-style bar doors at the entrances to the units. Due to the lack of available space, isolation cells were occasionally used as ordinary accommodation. However, they were also of an unacceptable standard, with broken or dilapidated beds and inadequate bedding.

[...] In any psychiatric establishment, the aim should be to offer material conditions which are conducive to the treatment and well-being of patients; in psychiatric terms, a positive therapeutic environment. Creating such an environment involves, first of all, providing sufficient living space per patient as well as adequate living conditions. These requirements were not being met in at least certain parts of Adana Mental Health Hospital at the time of the December 2005 visit."

Document(s): Report
Government response [CPT/Inf (2006) 31]