Combining ECT and Antipsychotic Agents: Benefits and Risks.

A comprehensive review describes the benefits and risks of the combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and antipsychotic agents for patients with psychotic disorders. For some patients, combined treatment may lead to greater rates of response or more rapid improvement than with either therapy alone. Except for reserpine, combining neuroleptics with ECT is safe, but some precautions are suggested.

Clozapine, ECT, and Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type.

Opinions differ regarding the risks and benefits of the concurrent use of antipsychotic medication and ECT. A case example is presented of the safe and effective concurrent use of ECT and the newly available neuroleptic clozapine in a young patient with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The patient's pulse did climb as high as 170-180 beats/min during a few of the seizures.