Electroconvulsive Therapy and Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.
Publication Date
2019
Journal Title
Mol Neuropsychiatry
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a remarkably effective treatment for major depressive disorder, but is less commonly utilized for treatment of psychotic disorders. Recent literature indicates that ECT can be a useful strategy for a wide range of psychotic disorders, including treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The purpose of this review is to examine the extant literature on ECT in schizophrenia with a primary focus on its efficacy, its impact on cognitive function, the role of maintenance ECT, and the potential role of neuroimaging biomarkers to provide more precise ECT treatment strategies. We evaluated the available literature, with a particular focus on prospective, randomized trials. Our review suggests that ECT can be an effective treatment strategy in this severely ill patient population. Studies suggest that while ECT in schizophrenia is a safe treatment modality, the potential for cognitive impairment must always be carefully weighed. The use and investigation of new biomarker strategies for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, and the extension of these approaches to ECT are also discussed.
Volume Number
5
Issue Number
2
Pages
75 - 83
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty, Northwell Researcher
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Psychiatry
Additional Departments
Molecular Medicine
PMID
DOI
10.1159/000497376