Objectives: Despite the fact that many studies have addressed the use of ECT in schizophrenia questions on clinical use remain poorly answered and clinical application is largely based on data originating from depressed patients.
Methods: We review data on the use of ECT in schizophrenic patients drawn from original studies indicated by a Pubmed search and referenced in recent and older expert reviews with a specific focus on four issues: symptom response, technical application, continuation/maintenance ECT and combination with medication.
Results: Catatonic patients are the most responsive. Positive symptoms such paranoid delusions and affective symptoms follow. There are indications that ECT may improve responsivity to medication. No particular technical features stand out in studies except lengthier courses, but not for catatonia. Combination with medication appears to be preferable over either treatment alone and effective combination particularly with clozapine is supported by data. Use of continuation and maintenance treatments in responders appears beneficial.
Conclusion: Certain schizophrenic patients may benefit significantly from the use of ECT. More specific research is required to address particular questions.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/15622975.2011.564653 | DOI Listing |
Catatonia is one of the most severe psychiatric syndromes, and clinical symptoms and etiology are very heterogeneous. When accompanied by autonomic instability and hyperthermia it’s termed malignant catatonia, which left untreated is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. First-line treatment is high dose benzodiazepines, followed by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in case of non-response.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ ECT
December 2024
Pharmacy Service, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC.
Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective for treating depression, schizophrenia, and mania, cognitive adverse effects may limit use. One possible mechanism for these effects includes cholinergic transmission alterations, supporting potential use of cholinesterase inhibitors for prevention and treatment of these cognitive deficits. The objective of this review is to determine efficacy and safety of cholinesterase inhibitors clinically used for dementia in reducing ECT cognitive adverse effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ ECT
December 2024
Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, mania, catatonia, and schizophrenia. Although its exact mechanism remains unclear, ECT is thought to induce neurochemical and neuroendocrine changes. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have provided vital insights into ECT's neurobiological effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHosp Pharm
December 2024
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.
Hypersalivation, or excessive production and secretion of saliva, can result from associated disorders or adverse drug reactions. It significantly impacts physical health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Clozapine, a gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is known to cause hypersalivation in some patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCan J Psychiatry
December 2024
Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.
Objective: To qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the literature on the efficacy and safety of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) in psychiatric disorders.
Methods: A literature search was conducted of the OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception to 14 January 2024, using subject headings and key words for "magnetic seizure therapy." Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), post-hoc analyses of RCTs, open-label trials, or case series investigating MST in adults with a verified psychiatric diagnosis and reporting on two possible primary outcomes (1) psychiatric symptom reduction (as measured by validated rating scale) or (2) neurocognitive outcomes (as measured by standardized testing), were included.
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