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Caroff SN, Ungvari GS, Gazdag G. Treatment of schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms: A narrative review. Schizophr Res 2024; 263:265-274. [PMID: 36404216 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome consisting of psychomotor abnormalities caused by a broad range of disorders affecting brain function. While the nosological status of catatonia is no longer restricted to a subtype of schizophrenia in standardized diagnostic systems, the character, course, and clinical significance of catatonia in people with schizophrenia remain unclear. Evidence suggests that catatonia could be a nonspecific state-related phenomenon, a fundamental core symptom dimension of schizophrenia, or a subcortical variant of schizophrenia. Either way, the validity of catatonia in schizophrenia is clinically significant only insofar as it predicts prognosis and response to treatment. Most contemporary clinical trials of antipsychotics have targeted schizophrenia as an overly broad unitary psychosis neglecting any differential response defined by phenomenology or course. However, early naturalistic studies showed that catatonia predicted poor response to first-generation antipsychotics in chronic schizophrenia and case reports cautioned against the risk of triggering neuroleptic malignant syndrome. More recent studies suggest that second-generation antipsychotics, particularly clozapine, may be effective in schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms, while small randomized controlled trials have found that the short-term response to ECT may be faster and more significant. Based on available data, conclusions are limited as to whether antipsychotics are as effective and safe in acute and chronic schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms compared to other treatments and compared to schizophrenia without catatonia. Further studies of the pathophysiology, phenomenology, course and predictive value of catatonia in schizophrenia are worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley N Caroff
- Behavioral Health Service, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia; Section of Psychiatry, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Gábor Gazdag
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Jahn Ferenc South Pest Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Birong Chen, Tan XW, Tor PC. The impact of the number of previous illness episodes on early response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in psychosis, mania, depression, psychotic depression, and catatonia: A naturalistic transdiagnostic analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115580. [PMID: 37926055 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for mood and psychotic disorders but there is growing evidence of treatment resistant to ECT. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of previous illness episodes and the symptomatic improvement after acute ECT treatment. We conducted a retrospective naturalistic cohort analysis of patients' ECT registry data from March 2017 to February 2023. We categorized the number of previous illness episodes into "0-3″ and ">3 episodes", paired T-tests were used to compare the changes in scores of clinical assessments, generalized linear models were used to analyze the association between the number of previous illness episodes and change in symptomatic scores. A total of 1137 patients were included for analysis. There was a significant global improvement in psychiatric symptoms (CGI) after 6 ECT treatments across five indications. We observed that compared to patients with less previous illness episodes, patients with more than 3 previous illness episodes had 30% lower chance of response to acute ECT treatment. Thus, our study suggests that use ECT earlier in the course of illness is associated with greater response and support offering ECT earlier in the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birong Chen
- Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Xiao Wei Tan
- Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore
| | - Phern Chern Tor
- Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore
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Tan X, Martin D, Lee J, Tor PC. The Impact of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia and Their Association with Clinical Outcomes. Brain Sci 2022; 12:545. [PMID: 35624932 PMCID: PMC9139352 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The treatment efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for negative symptoms amongst patients with schizophrenia remains unclear. In this study, we aim to examine the effects of ECT on negative symptoms in schizophrenia and their association with other clinical outcomes, including cognition and function. METHODS This is a retrospective data analysis of patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder treated with ECT at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Singapore, between January 2016 and December 2019. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Global Assessment of Function (GAF). Changes in scores were compared with repeated measures analysis of variance. Sequential structural modelling was utilized to examine the pathway relationships between changes in negative symptoms, global functioning, and cognition functioning after ECT. RESULTS A total of 340 patients were analysed. Hence, 196 (57.6%), 53 (15.5%), and 91 (26.7%) showed improvements, no change, and deterioration in negative symptoms, respectively. ECT-induced improvement of negative symptoms was significantly associated with improvement of global functioning (direct effect correlation coefficient (r): -0.496; se: 0.152; p = 0.001) and cognition function (indirect effect r: -0.077; se: 0.037; p = 0.035). Moreover, having capacity to consent, more severe baseline negative symptoms, lithium prescription, and an indirect effect of voluntary admission status via consent capacity predicted ECT associated negative symptoms improvement. CONCLUSION ECT is generally associated with improvements of negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia, which correlate with improvements of overall function. Possible novel clinical predictors of negative symptom improvement have been identified and will require further research and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tan
- Department of Mood Disorder and Anxiety, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore;
| | - Donel Martin
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia;
- Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Phern Chern Tor
- Department of Mood Disorder and Anxiety, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore;
- Neurostimulation Service, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Jiang J, Li J, Xu Y, Zhang B, Sheng J, Liu D, Wang W, Yang F, Guo X, Li Q, Zhang T, Tang Y, Jia Y, Daskalakis ZJ, Wang J, Li C. Magnetic Seizure Therapy Compared to Electroconvulsive Therapy for Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:770647. [PMID: 34899429 PMCID: PMC8656219 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.770647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a potential alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, reports on the use of MST for patients with schizophrenia, particularly in developing countries, which is a main indication for ECT, are limited. Methods: From February 2017 to July 2018, 79 inpatients who met the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia were randomized to receive 10 sessions of MST (43 inpatients) or ECT (36 inpatients) over the course of 4 weeks. At baseline and 4-week follow-up, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were used to assess symptom severity and cognitive functions, respectively. Results: Seventy-one patients who completed at least half of the treatment protocol were included in the per-protocol analysis. MST generated a non-significant larger antipsychotic effect in terms of a reduction in PANSS total score [g = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.30, 0.63] and response rate [relative risk (RR) = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.83-2.39]. Twenty-four participants failed to complete the cognitive assessment as a result of severe psychotic symptoms. MST showed significant less cognitive impairment over ECT in terms of immediate memory (g = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.63-1.89), language function (g =1.14, 95% CI = 0.52-1.76), delayed memory (g = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.16-1.35), and global cognitive function (g = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.45-1.68). The intention-to-treat analysis generated similar results except for the differences in delayed memory became statistically insignificant. Better baseline cognitive performance predicted MST and ECT response. Conclusions: Compared to bitemporal ECT with brief pulses and age-dose method, MST had similar antipsychotic efficacy with fewer cognitive impairments, indicating that MST is a promising alternative to ECT as an add-on treatment for schizophrenia. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02746965.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangling Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Psychological and Psychiatric Neuroimage Lab, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Sheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengtang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuzhong Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuping Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zafiris J. Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
- Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunbo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
- Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Zierhut MM, Bernard RM, Turner E, Mohamad S, Hahn E, Bajbouj M. Electroconvulsive therapy for negative symptoms in schizophrenia: a literature review from 2000 to 2021. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01989-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractNegative symptoms in schizophrenia remain a clinical challenge with small effect sizes and evidence for pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment approaches. Studies suggest that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) holds some promise as a treatment option of often persistent negative symptoms with clinically meaningful effects. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the efficacy of ECT on negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Thirty-five publications were included in this literature review comprising 21 studies, two meta-analyses, eight reviews and four case reports. Conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, given the small number and methodological shortcomings of the included publications with a variation of study designs and missing standardized protocols. Implications for future research and practice are critically discussed. Recommendations are given to provide more evidence that will meet the clinical challenge of reducing the negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Study designs that focus explicitly on negative symptoms and assess patients over longer follow up periods could be helpful. Future research should include control groups, and possibly establish international multicentered studies to get a sufficient study population. Findings suggest that patients with schizophrenia resistant to pharmacological treatment might benefit from ECT. A risk and benefit assessment speaks in favour of the ECT treatment. Future practice of ECT should include a combination treatment with antipsychotics. Whereas the use of anaesthetics and electrode placement does not seem to play a role, the recommendation regarding frequency of ECT treatments is currently three times a week, For the assessment of negative symptoms the assessment tool should be chosen carefully.
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Camilleri JA, Hoffstaedter F, Zavorotny M, Zöllner R, Wolf RC, Thomann P, Redlich R, Opel N, Dannlowski U, Grözinger M, Demirakca T, Sartorius A, Eickhoff SB, Nickl-Jockschat T. Electroconvulsive therapy modulates grey matter increase in a hub of an affect processing network. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 25:102114. [PMID: 31884221 PMCID: PMC6939059 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
We here present a structural neuroimaging study reporting on a large multi-site patient sample with unipolar depression that underwent ECT. Patients showed grey matter increases in the medial temporal lobe. Connectivity modeling revealed that this altered brain region was involved in networks related to affect processing and memory. This provides a potential explanation, how these structural changes during ECT are involved in both main and side effects of the treatment.
A growing number of recent studies has suggested that the neuroplastic effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might be prominent enough to be detected through changes of regional gray matter volumes (GMV) during the course of the treatment. Given that ECT patients are difficult to recruit for imaging studies, most publications, however, report only on small samples. Addressing this challenge, we here report results of a structural imaging study on ECT patients that pooled patients from five German sites. Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed to detect structural differences in 85 patients with unipolar depression before and after ECT, when compared to 86 healthy controls. Both task-independent and task-dependent physiological whole-brain functional connectivity patterns of these regions were modeled using additional data from healthy subjects. All emerging regions were additionally functionally characterized using the BrainMap database. Our VBM analysis detected a significant increase of GMV in the right hippocampus/amygdala region in patients after ECT compared to healthy controls. In healthy subjects this region was found to be enrolled in a network associated with emotional processing and memory. A region in the left fusiform gyrus was additionally found to have higher GMV in controls when compared with patients at baseline. This region showed minor changes after ECT. Our data points to a GMV increase in patients post ECT in regions that seem to constitute a hub of an emotion processing network. This appears as a plausible antidepressant mechanism and could explain the efficacy of ECT not only in the treatment of unipolar depression, but also of affective symptoms across heterogeneous disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Camilleri
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-7, Juelich Research Center, Juelich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Hoffstaedter
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-7, Juelich Research Center, Juelich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Maxim Zavorotny
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - MCMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Zöllner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - MCMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Mental Health, Odenwald District Healthcare Center, Erbach, Germany
| | - Philipp Thomann
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronny Redlich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nils Opel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael Grözinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-7, Juelich Research Center, Juelich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
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Commentary on Braga et al: The Potential of Large Simple Trials to Determine the Real-World Effectiveness of Combined Electroconvulsive Therapy and Antipsychotics in Treating Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. J ECT 2019; 35:153-155. [PMID: 30870262 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This commentary reflects upon the study of Braga et al of open-label continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) plus clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), as reported in this issue of The Journal of ECT. The evidence base for ECT in TRS is scant, and the study of Braga et al is a step forward. However, their report raises other important questions including (1) what is the proper frequency of continuation ECT in TRS, and (2) should TRS patients, even TRS patients who have failed clozapine, receive acute ECT + clozapine, or is ECT + conventional antipsychotics sufficient? In this commentary, we examine these questions and outline a future research strategy for TRS that includes large simple trials.
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Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was initially used for the treatment of schizophrenia, but over the years with the advent of antipsychotics, its use in schizophrenia has been limited. Treatment guidelines vary in their recommendations for the use of ECT in schizophrenia. The usual indications of its use among patients with schizophrenia include treatment resistance, to augment pharmacotherapy, to manage catatonia, suicidal behaviour, severe agitation and clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Available literature, including meta-analysis and systematic reviews, suggest that ECT is a safe and effective treatment in patients with schizophrenia. However, despite the available evidence, it is highly underutilised and is often used as one of the last resort among patients with schizophrenia. This review focuses on the indications of use of ECT in schizophrenia, studies evaluating its effectiveness, efficacy in certain special situations like first episode schizophrenia, adolescents, catatonia etc., predictors of response to ECT in schizophrenia and influence of various ECT-related parameters on efficacy/effectiveness among patients with schizophrenia. From the review, it can be concluded that ECT is not only is beneficial as an augmenting strategy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia but also can be used effectively in patients with schizophrenia in various other situations.
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Surya S, Bishnoi R, Rosenquist PB, McCall WV. Uses of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Conditions Other than Major Depressive Episode. Psychiatr Ann 2019. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20190314-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rosenquist PB, Youssef NA, Surya S, McCall WV. When All Else Fails: The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Conditions Other than Major Depressive Episode. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2018; 41:355-371. [PMID: 30098650 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for those suffering from major depressive disorder is well-evidenced, time-honored, and recognized by most treatment guidelines. However, since its inception ECT has been used by practitioners for a broader range of neuropsychiatric conditions. This article reviews the highly variable evidence supporting the use of ECT in conditions other than depression, such as schizophrenia, bipolar manic states, catatonia, Parkinson disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Rosenquist
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Nagy A Youssef
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sandarsh Surya
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - William V McCall
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Ipekcioglu D, Yazar MS, Canbek O, Yuksel O, Meterelliyoz KS, Ilnem MC. Electroconvulsive therapy combined with antipsychotic therapy in the treatment of acute schizophrenia inpatients: symptom profile of the clinical response. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2018.1446729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Ipekcioglu
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Menekse Sıla Yazar
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Canbek
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Yuksel
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Mehmet Cem Ilnem
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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The Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation of Antipsychotic Treatment on Cognitive Functions in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. J ECT 2018; 34:31-34. [PMID: 29053485 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) continues to be a challenge in modern psychiatry. Most of these patients have severe neurocognitive deficits. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has proved effective and safe in the treatment of TRS, but because of potential neurocognitive adverse effects, it is associated with many controversies. The aim of this prospective, open study was to evaluate the effects of ECT augmentation of antipsychotics on cognitive functions in patients with TRS. METHODS Overall, 31 inpatients with TRS were included, 16 men, with an average (SD) age of 34.1 (11.187) years. The evaluation of clinical symptoms and global impression, as well as verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, psychomotor speed, verbal fluency, and executive functioning, was conducted before and after the completion of ECT treatment. RESULTS We ran a series of paired-samples t tests, and the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons reduced the significance level to P = 0.004. The neurocognitive domains that demonstrated statistically significant improvement were immediate and delayed verbal memory, and executive functioning, whereas statistical trend was observed for visual memory and psychomotor speed. None of the neurocognitive functions exhibited significant deterioration after the ECT treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy was effective in reducing general symptoms of schizophrenia, resulting in more than 30% decrease in the overall symptom severity measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding some limitations of this study, the combination of ECT and antipsychotics has improved several neurocognitive domains, without evidence of worsening of any cognitive functions.
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Ahmed S, Khan AM, Mekala HM, Venigalla H, Ahmed R, Etman A, Esang M, Qureshi M. Combined use of electroconvulsive therapy and antipsychotics (both clozapine and non-clozapine) in treatment resistant schizophrenia: A comparative meta-analysis. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00429. [PMID: 29264404 PMCID: PMC5727374 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess the relative efficacies of clozapine plus Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) compared against non-clozapine typical and atypical antipsychotics plus ECT for the treatment of “Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia” (TRS). Primarily to assess if clozapine delivers a significant improvement over other antipsychotics when combined with ECT. Design Major electronic databases were searched between 1990 and March 2017 for trials measuring the effects of either clozapine augmented ECT, other antipsychotic-augmented ECT, or both. After the systematic review of the data, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted measuring the relative effect sizes of the different treatment regimens. Subjects 1179 patients in 23 studies reporting the usage of ECT augmentation with antipsychotics. A total of 95 patients were tested with clozapine, and ECT (9 studies) and 1084 patients were tested with non-clozapine antipsychotics (14 studies) such as flupenthixol, chlorpromazine, risperidone, sulpiride, olanzapine, and loxapine with concurrent ECT treatment considered for systematic review. Of these, 13 studies reported pre and post-treatment scores were included in the meta-analysis. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was the presence and degree of both positive and negative psychotic symptoms, as measured by either of two standardized clinician administered tests, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Results The comparison of the different antipsychotics established the supremacy of ECT-augmented clozapine treatment against other typical and atypical antipsychotics. The Forest Plot revealed that the overall standard mean difference was 0.891 for non-clozapine studies and 1.504 for clozapine studies, at a 95% interval. Furthermore, the heterogeneity plots showed that while clozapine studies showed no significant heterogeneity, non-clozapine studies showed an I2 statistic value at 42.19%, suggesting moderate heterogeneity. Lastly, publication bias showed asymmetrical plots and significant values of Kendal's tau and Egger's rank test. Conclusion ECT augmentation technique was found to be effective in the reduction of psychometric scale scores, and the resulting improvement was significant. Clozapine maintained its stance as the most effective treatment for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia, followed by flupenthixol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rizwan Ahmed
- Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amira Etman
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | | | - Mustafa Qureshi
- Texas Tech University Health Science- Permian Basin, Texas, USA
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Kim HS, Kim SH, Lee NY, Youn T, Lee JH, Chung S, Kim YS, Chung IW. Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation on Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Investig 2017; 14:58-62. [PMID: 28096876 PMCID: PMC5240461 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2017.14.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective case series study of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia was conducted by EMR review. METHODS Clozapine-resistance was defined as persistent psychotic symptoms despite at least 12 weeks of clozapine administration with blood levels over 350 ng/mL in order to rule out pseudo-resistance. Seven in-patients who were taking clozapine and treated with ECT were selected. We analyzed the psychopathology and subscales changed by ECT. RESULTS The average number of ECT sessions was 13.4 (±4.6). Total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score was significantly reduced by 17.9 (±12.8) points (p=0.0384) on average, which represented a reduction of 25.5% (±14.3). 71.4% (5/7) of patients were identified as clinical remission, with at least a 20% reduction in PANSS score. PANSS reduction was associated with number of ECT sessions, stimulus level in the final session, and blood clozapine levels before ECT. However, the negative subscale on the PANSS were not reduced by ECT in any patient. We did not observe any persistent adverse cognitive effects. CONCLUSION This study supports that ECT augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia reveals clinically effective and safe. Further research should be done involving a larger number of patients to investigate the effectiveness of clozapine/ECT combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Tak Youn
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeoung Hyuk Lee
- Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Chung
- Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - In Won Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Dokucu ME. Neuromodulation Treatments for Schizophrenia. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2015; 2:339-348. [PMID: 28713665 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-015-0055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that causes great suffering and debilitation worldwide. We have a multitude of medications that are effective for psychosis. However, these have not been successful in treating the negative and cognitive symptom domains of schizophrenia. These symptoms are responsible for the larger part of functional impairments that result from schizophrenia. In addition, there are many patients for whom no significant improvement is achieved even in the positive symptom domain. Hence, other treatment modalities have been explored to help these patients. Electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation are two of the most promising adjunct treatment methods for medication resistant schizophrenia. Electroconvulsive therapy is the gold standard treatment for catatonias whether associated with schizophrenia, mood disorders or other non-psychiatric disorders. Although not effective for negative symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy provides substantial augmentation to antipsychotic medications in improving positive symptoms and overall severity. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered more often in patients with inadequate response to antipsychotic medications even when they do not have prominent affective symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as a promising useful therapeutic tool in targeting medication resistant auditory hallucinations and negative symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has proven to be very safe and well-tolerated by the patients in spite of its labor intensiveness. The incorporation of transcranial magnetic stimulation to routine clinical use awaits further studies to substantiate its efficacy and to optimize and customize treatment parameters to individual patients and their symptom patterns. Moreover, combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroconvulsive therapy to synergize their likely different mechanisms of action is another exciting possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet E Dokucu
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 710 North Lake Shore Drive #1324, Chicago, Illinois 60611,
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Simsek GG, Zincir S, Gulec H, Eksioglu S, Semiz UB, Kurtulmus YS. Do ictal EEG characteristics predict treatment outcomes in schizophrenic patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy? Nord J Psychiatry 2015; 69:466-71. [PMID: 25731192 DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2014.1003403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between features of electroencephalography (EEG), including seizure time, energy threshold level and post-ictal suppression time, and clinical variables, including treatment outcomes and side-effects, among schizophrenia inpatients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHOD This is a naturalistic follow-up study on schizophrenia patients, diagnosed using DSM-IV-TR criteria, treated by a psychosis inpatient service. All participants completed the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and a Data Collection Form. Assessments were made before treatment, during ECT and after treatment. FINDINGS Statistically significant improvements in both clinical and cognitive outcome were noted after ECT in all patients. Predictors of improvement were sought by evaluating electrophysiological variables measured at three time points (after the third, fifth and seventh ECT sessions). Logistic regression analysis showed that clinical outcome/improvement did not differ by seizure duration, threshold energy level or post-ictal suppression time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We found that ictal EEG parameters measured at several ECT sessions did not predict clinical recovery/outcomes. This may be because our centre defensively engages in "very specific patient selection" when ECT is contemplated. ECT does not cause short-term cognitive functional impairment and indeed improves cognition, because symptoms of the schizophrenic episode are alleviated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnihal Gokce Simsek
- Gulnihal Gokce Simsek, M.D., Psychiatry Department, Yozgat State Hospital , Yozgat , Turkey
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Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies identifies the duration of illness (DI) as an important predictor of outcome in patients affected by major psychoses (MP). The aim of the present paper was to revise medical literature about DI and its effects on MP, focusing in particular on the relationship between DI and outcome with particular reference to treatment response, suicidal risk, cognitive impairment and social functioning. METHODS A search in the main database sources has been performed to obtain a comprehensive overview. Studies with different methodologies (open and double-blinded) have been included, while papers considering other variables such as duration of untreated episode/illness were excluded. MP included the diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. RESULTS Available data show that DI influences treatment response, suicidal risk and loss of social functioning in schizophrenic patients, while results are more controversial with regard to cognitive impairment. In bipolar disorder, a long DI has been associated with less treatment response, more suicidal risk and cognitive impairment, but more data are needed to draw definitive conclusions. Finally, studies, regarding DI of illness and its predictive value of outcome in major depressive disorder show contradictory results. CONCLUSIONS DI appears a negative outcome factor particularly for schizophrenia, while with regard to mood disorders, more data are needed to draw definitive sound conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Carlo Altamura
- Alfredo C Altamura, Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan , Italy
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Pawełczyk T, Kołodziej-Kowalska E, Pawełczyk A, Rabe-Jabłońska J. Augmentation of antipsychotics with electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients with dominant negative symptoms: a pilot study of effectiveness. Neuropsychobiology 2015; 70:158-64. [PMID: 25358377 DOI: 10.1159/000366484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the augmentation of antipsychotics (AP) with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients with dominant negative symptoms. METHODS The study encompassed 34 patients aged 21-55 years, 47.1% of whom were female, who were diagnosed with TRS. Each patient underwent a course of ECT sessions combined with AP medications which had previously been found to be ineffective. Prior to ECT and within 3 days after the final ECT session, the participants were evaluated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and the Clinical Global Impression scales. RESULTS Augmentation of AP therapy with ECT led to a significant decrease in symptom severity in TRS patients with dominant negative symptoms, 58.8% of whom demonstrated at least a 25% decrease in the total PANSS score. The greatest reductions were observed in the general and positive PANSS subscales (mean ± SD: 11.35 ± 7.43 and 6.79 ± 5.23 patients), and the least significant in the negative symptoms subscale (5.03 ± 4.36 patients). CONCLUSION Augmentation of AP therapy with ECT in a group of TRS patients with dominant negative symptoms induced a significant decrease in symptom severity. The greatest reductions were obtained in general and positive symptoms and the least in negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Pawełczyk
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Flamarique I, Baeza I, de la Serna E, Pons A, Bernardo M, Castro-Fornieles J. Long-term effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:517-24. [PMID: 25183368 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To compare a sample of adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) treated with either ECT or antipsychotics (AP) alone at long-term follow-up. Patients diagnosed with SSD (n = 21) treated with ECT due to resistance to AP or catatonia under the age of 18 years (ECT group), were compared to a randomly selected group of patients with SSD treated only with AP (non-ECT group) (n = 21) and matched for age, gender, diagnosis and duration of illness. Baseline data were gathered retrospectively from medical records. Subjects were assessed at follow-up (mean of follow-up period = 5.5 years; range 2-9 years) using several clinical scales such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Improvement in PANSS positive, negative, general, total and CGI and GAF scores between baseline and follow-up assessment did not differ significantly between groups. At follow-up, no differences were observed for the PANSS negative, CGI and GAF scores between groups, but patients in the ECT group still had higher PANSS total, positive and general scores. ECT treatment followed by AP medication in treatment-resistant SSD or catatonia is at least as effective in the long term as AP alone in non-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Flamarique
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, SGR1119, Institut Clinic de Neurociències, Hospital Clínic Universitari de Barcelona, C/Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain,
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Iancu I, Pick N, Seener-Lorsh O, Dannon P. Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who receive multiple electroconvulsive therapy sessions: characteristics, indications, and results. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:853-62. [PMID: 25848283 PMCID: PMC4384746 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s78919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used for many years, there is insufficient research regarding the indications for continuation/maintenance (C/M)-ECT, its safety and efficacy, and the characteristics of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who receive multiple ECT sessions. The aims of this study were to characterize a series of patients who received 30 ECT sessions or more, to describe treatment regimens in actual practice, and to examine the results of C/M-ECT in terms of safety and efficacy, especially the effect on aggression and functioning. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of 20 consecutive patients (mean age 64.6 years) with schizophrenia (n=16) or schizoaffective disorder (n=4) who received at least 30 ECT sessions at our ECT unit, and also interviewed the treating physician and filled out the Clinical Global Impression-Severity, Global Assessment of Functioning, and the Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised. RESULTS Patients received a mean of 91.3 ECT sessions at a mean interval of 2.6 weeks. All had been hospitalized for most or all of the previous 3 years. There were no major adverse effects, and cognitive side effects were relatively minimal (cognitive deficit present for several hours after treatment). We found that ECT significantly reduced scores on the Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised subscales for verbal aggression and self-harm, and improved Global Assessment of Functioning scores. There were reductions in total aggression scores, subscale scores for harm to objects and to others, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scores, these were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION C/M-ECT is safe and effective for chronically hospitalized patients. It improves general functioning and reduces verbal aggression and self-harm. More research using other aggression tools is needed to determine its effects and to reproduce our findings in prospective and controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Iancu
- Be'er Ya'akov Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nimrod Pick
- Be'er Ya'akov Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit Seener-Lorsh
- Be'er Ya'akov Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pinhas Dannon
- Be'er Ya'akov Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Effectiveness and clinical predictors of response to combined ECT and antipsychotic therapy in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and dominant negative symptoms. Psychiatry Res 2014; 220:175-80. [PMID: 25129562 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.07.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness and predictors of response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) combined with antipsychotics (AP) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients with the dominance of negative symptoms (TRS-NS) have not been studied systematically so far. 29 patients aged 21-55 years diagnosed with TRS-NS underwent ECT combined with antipsychotics (ECT+AP). Prior to the ECT, the symptom profile and severity were evaluated using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Demographic and medical data was collected; ECT parameters and pharmacotherapy results were evaluated. After the combined ECT+AP therapy a significant decrease in symptom severity was found. A response to treatment was achieved by 60% of patients. The greatest reductions were obtained in general and positive PANSS subscale (median change: 11 and 7 pts.) and the smallest, but still significant, ones in negative symptoms subscale (median: 3.5 pts.). Patients who responded to ECT+AP demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of the current episode in comparison with patients who did not experience at least a 25% reduction in symptom severity (median: 4 vs. 8 months). A combination of ECT and antipsychotic therapy can provide a useful treatment option for patients with TRS-NS. The only significant predictor of response to treatment was a shorter duration of the current episode.
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Abstract
For many patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses, standard psychiatric treatments with mono or combination pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation are ineffective. For these patients with treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric illnesses, a main therapeutic option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Decades of research have found ECT to be highly effective; however, it can also result in adverse neurocognitive effects. Specifically, ECT results in disorientation after each session, anterograde amnesia for recently learned information, and retrograde amnesia for previously learned information. Unfortunately, the neurocognitive effects and underlying mechanisms of action of ECT remain poorly understood. The purpose of this paper was to synthesize the multiple moderating and mediating factors that are thought to underlie the neurocognitive effects of ECT into a coherent model. Such factors include demographic and neuropsychological characteristics, neuropsychiatric symptoms, ECT technical parameters, and ECT-associated neurophysiological changes. Future research is warranted to evaluate and test this model, so that these findings may support the development of more refined clinical seizure therapy delivery approaches and efficacious cognitive remediation strategies to improve the use of this important and widely used intervention tool for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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23
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Zaki H, Sentissi O, Olié JP, Lôo H, Mouaffak F, Gaillard R. [The interest of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in mood disorders]. Encephale 2013; 39:367-73. [PMID: 23312880 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT) is a treatment indicated for the treatment and prevention of recurrent depression in patients who either do not respond or do not tolerate psychotropic medication. We evaluated, retrospectively, clinical response to a 6-month minimum course of M-ECT in 25 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM IV-TR criterion. Our study demonstrated a significant improvement of Global Assessment of functioning (GAF) scores after a six month minimum course of M-ECT (34.8 ± 12.6 vs 65.6 ± 10.8; P<0.05) as well as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores (BPRS): 79.3 ± 12.4 vs 43.4 ± 10.2; P<0.05). We observed a slight increase of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores after M-ECT; nonetheless, it was not statistically significant (24.2 ± 2.4 vs 26.2 ± 2.4; P=0.2). Regarding the mean duration of hospitalizations, we showed a statistically significant decrease in the median number of days of hospitalization (72 [59-93.50] days before M-ECT vs 43 [25-76] days since the first M-ECT; P=0.017). Maintenance ECT allowed a significant improvement in psychiatric symptoms and global functioning of the patients included in this study, as well as a decrease in the number of days of hospitalization. However, our pattern is limited because of its small size; so, further prospective studies in this field, including larger population is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zaki
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de santé mentale et de thérapeutique, faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, université Paris-Descartes, centre hospitalier Sainte-Anne, 7, rue Cabanis, 75674 Paris cedex 14, France
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AbdelHameed M, Hassan M, Foly M, Abd El-Bakey AER. A study of cofactors implicated in response to electroconvulsive therapy in patients with psychotic disorders. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2013; 34:134. [DOI: 10.7123/01.ejp.0000427173.24271.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Abstract
Between one-third and one-half of the individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia remain actively ill despite optimal pharmacological treatment. These individuals tend to progressively deteriorate in terms of social and vocational functioning despite major public and private investments in their rehabilitation. For patients who do not respond to the first prescribed antipsychotic drug, current clinical practice is to switch to a second and a third drug, and eventually to clozapine, the only antipsychotic drug proven to be effective in treatment-refractory schizophrenia (TRS). Occasionally, two antipsychotics are given concomitantly or psychotropic drugs are added to antipsychotic drugs; however, very few empirical data exist to support this practice. Although there are many exceptions, patients who do not benefit from the first prescribed drug will not benefit from any pharmacological intervention. Therefore, efforts are under way to determine the reason for lack of response to available treatments and devise novel, more effective treatments. To be successful these efforts must result in a more specific definition of TRS, as well as in a better understanding of the illness pathophysiology and the mechanism of action of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Caspi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with treatment-resistant paranoid schizophrenia and comorbid epilepsy. Case Rep Psychiatry 2012; 2012:374752. [PMID: 22953149 PMCID: PMC3420454 DOI: 10.1155/2012/374752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of choice for acute schizophrenia is antipsychotic drug treatment and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and should only be considered as an option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, where treatment with clozapine has already proven ineffective or intolerable. The use of ECT as a maintenance treatment for patients with schizophrenia and comorbid epilepsy is uncommon as scant evidence exists to support this. We describe a patient with a serious case of paranoid schizophrenia and comorbid epilepsy who had not responded to typical and atypical antipsychotic medication, but responded remarkably to acute ECT and required maintenance ECT to sustain a positive therapeutic response.
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Kristensen D, Brandt-Christensen M, Ockelmann HH, Jørgensen MB. The use of electroconvulsive therapy in a cohort of forensic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2012; 22:148-156. [PMID: 22124975 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Denmark, over 2500 people are in psychiatric treatment in forensic mental health services at any one time, most suffering from schizophrenia. Many of them have illnesses that are resistant to medication. There is evidence of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for schizophrenia, but not explicitly for this complex forensic group. AIMS The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of using ECT as augmentation therapy in a cohort of forensic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia who were failing to respond to antipsychotic medication. METHODS In one university-based psychiatric clinic, data were extracted from the medical records of all patients treated with ECT during a 6-year period. Fifty-nine of these patients were diagnosed within the schizophrenia spectrum and eight were in specialist forensic hospital services. RESULTS The mean duration of illness for the forensic cohort was 16 years (range 3-33 years), with the index episode having lasted a mean of 34 months (3 weeks to 8 years) in spite of treatment with at least two antipsychotic drugs. Psychotic symptoms were accompanied by seriously assaultive behaviour in all cases. All but one of these patients had an excellent or good symptomatic and behavioural response to ECT. Half (four) went on to maintenance ECT. No adverse effects were documented. CONCLUSION ECT is rarely used in specialist secure services, but should not be forgotten as a treatment that may enable medication-resistant, assaultive psychotic patients to progress safely out to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kristensen
- Department of Psychiatry, Glostrup University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Zervas IM, Theleritis C, Soldatos CR. Using ECT in schizophrenia: a review from a clinical perspective. World J Biol Psychiatry 2012; 13:96-105. [PMID: 21486108 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2011.564653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Iannis M Zervas
- Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Electroconvulsive therapy for treating schizophrenia: a chart review of patients from two catchment areas. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2011; 261:425-32. [PMID: 21132505 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-010-0173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To examine disease and treatment characteristics of patients with schizophrenia treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We examined charts from 79 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 55), persistent delusional disorders (n = 7), and schizoaffective disorders (n = 17) between 2003 and 2008. We recorded age, sex, indication for ECT, number of ECT sessions, ECT series, outcome, maintenance ECT, use of antipsychotics, duration of illness, and duration of the current exacerbation. All patients were taking antipsychotics at the time of enrolment in the study. Acute ECT included 2-26 sessions; maintenance ECT (M-ECT) was given to 18 patients for up to 12 years. Initial indications for ECT included psychosis (n = 28), pronounced affective symptoms (n = 28), delirious states (n = 20), and M-ECT (n = 3). Most patients experienced excellent/good outcomes (n = 66), but others experienced moderate (n = 8) or poor (n = 5) outcomes. No factors were identified that predicted treatment responses in individual patients. ECT proved to be effective in a population of patients that were severely ill with treatment-refractory schizophrenia. This does not imply that the patients were cured from schizophrenia. Rather, it reflects the degree of relief from psychosis and disruptive behaviour, as described in the patient charts. The treatment was often offered to patients after considerable disease durations.
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Sanz-Fuentenebro FJ, Vidal Navarro I, Ballesteros Sanz D, Verdura Vizcaíno E. Eficacia y riesgos de la combinación de psicofármacos con el tratamiento electroconvulsivo. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2011; 4:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia: prediction of response and the nature of symptomatic improvement. J ECT 2010; 26:289-98. [PMID: 20375701 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0b013e3181cb5e0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical features of patients with schizophrenia who respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are uncertain. There is a longstanding belief that the duration of illness and/or the presence of affective symptoms associate with good prognosis. There is also little information on the nature of symptomatic improvement with this treatment. OBJECTIVES We examined the demographic and clinical history features associated with response, the symptom profile predictive of response, and the profile of symptomatic improvement. METHOD Using a standardized protocol, 253 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia were prospectively treated with a combination of ECT and flupenthixol. RESULTS Of this group, 138 patients (54.5%) met the response criteria. Independence of sex, longer duration of current episode, and greater severity of baseline negative symptoms were predictive of poorer outcome. Duration of illness had weak relations with outcome only among females. There were marked sex differences in other clinical features and symptoms associated with response. In contrast, no sex differences were observed in the nature of symptomatic improvement. Treatment resulted in marked improvement in specific positive symptoms, with an intermediate effect on affective symptoms and no effect or worsening of specific negative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The findings challenge recommendations that long duration of illness or absence of affective symptoms portends poor response to ECT in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Sex may play a critical role in determining the features of the illness that predict outcome.
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Adjunctive psychotropic medications during electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of depression, mania, and schizophrenia. J ECT 2010; 26:196-201. [PMID: 20805728 PMCID: PMC2952444 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0b013e3181eee13f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines regarding concomitant antidepressants during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are inconsistent. Although the American Psychiatric Association Task Force on ECT discouraged combination antidepressant treatment, owing to the minimal evidence for enhanced efficacy and concern about increased adverse effects, combination treatment is recommended and considered routine for many practitioners in the United States and other parts of the world. Considering the increasing levels of treatment resistance among patients referred for ECT and the high relapse rate after acute ECT, the role of concomitant antidepressant pharmacotherapy during ECT should be reevaluated. More research, however, is needed to explore the impact of administering specific antidepressants during acute and maintenance ECT (M-ECT), on antidepressant efficacy and cognitive adverse effects. This will require appropriately controlled studies of ECT medication combinations that include attention to a range of cognitive function measures and clinical response. In addition, the role of combination ECT and psychotropic medication in the treatment of mania and schizophrenia continues to receive attention, particularly in those patients who have shown inadequate responses to psychotropic medication alone. Although there is insufficient evidence to support the routine addition of antipsychotic medications to ECT during the treatment of acute mania, the literature suggests that it is unnecessary to discontinue antipsychotic medication when ECT is added to the treatment of a manic patient that has been unresponsive to pharmacological treatment. Despite the lack of well-controlled studies, the existing literature suggests that combination ECT and antipsychotic treatment is a useful option for patients with schizophrenia who are unresponsive to pharmacological interventions alone, and its adverse effect profile does not seem different from that seen with ECT alone.
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Wachtel LE, Hermida A, Dhossche DM. Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in autistic catatonia: a case series review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:581-7. [PMID: 20298732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The usage of electroconvulsive therapy for the acute resolution of catatonia in autistic children and adults is a novel area that has received increased attention over the past few years. Reported length of the acute ECT course varies among these patients, and there is no current literature on maintenance ECT in autism. The maintenance ECT courses of three patients with autism who developed catatonia are presented. Clinical, research, legal, and administrative implications for ECT treatment in this special population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Wachtel
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
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Ungvari GS, Caroff SN, Gerevich J. The catatonia conundrum: evidence of psychomotor phenomena as a symptom dimension in psychotic disorders. Schizophr Bull 2010; 36:231-8. [PMID: 19776208 PMCID: PMC2833122 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbp105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To provide a rational basis for reconceptualizing catatonia in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), we briefly review historical sources, the psychopathology of catatonia, and the relevance of catatonic schizophrenia in contemporary practice and research. In contrast to Kahlbaum, Kraepelin and others (Jaspers, Kleist, and Schneider) recognized the prevalence of motor symptoms in diverse psychiatric disorders but concluded that the unique pattern and persistence of certain psychomotor phenomena defined a "catatonic" subtype of schizophrenia, based on intensive long-term studies. The enduring controversy and confusion that ensued underscores the fact that the main problem with catatonia is not just its place in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders but rather its lack of conceptual clarity. There still are no accepted principles on what makes a symptom catatonic and no consensus on which signs and symptoms constitute a catatonic syndrome. The resulting heterogeneity is reflected in treatment studies that show that stuporous catatonia in any acute disorder responds to benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy, whereas catatonia in the context of chronic schizophrenia is phenomenologically different and less responsive to either modality. Although psychomotor phenomena are an intrinsic feature of acute and especially chronic schizophrenia, they are insufficiently recognized in practice and research but may have significant implications for treatment outcome and neurobiological studies. While devising a separate category of catatonia as a nonspecific syndrome has heuristic value, it may be equally if not more important to re-examine the psychopathological basis for defining psychomotor symptoms as catatonic and to re-establish psychomotor phenomena as a fundamental symptom dimension or criterion for both psychotic and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor S Ungvari
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong,Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Abstract
The concept of inducing convulsions, mainly through chemical means, to promote mental wellness has existed since the 16th century. In 1938, Italian scientists first applied electrically induced therapeutic seizures. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is employed in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, it is most frequently used today to treat severe depressive episodes and remains the most effective treatment available for those disorders. Despite this, ECT continues to be the most stigmatized treatment available in psychiatry, resulting in restrictions on and reduced accessibility to a helpful and potentially life-saving treatment. The psychiatric and psychosocial ramifications of this stigmatization may include the exacerbation of the increasingly serious, global health problem of major depressive disorders as well as serious consequences for individual patients who may not be offered, or may refuse, a potentially beneficial treatment. The goal of this first article in this two-part series is to provide an overview of ECT's historical development and discuss the current state of knowledge about ECT, including technical aspects of delivery, patient selection, its side-effect profile, and factors that may contribute to underuse of ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Payne
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University (NYU), USA.
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Sutor B, Rasmussen K. Long-Term Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder—A Case Series. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3371/csrp.2.4.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lévy-Rueff M, Jurgens A, Lôo H, Olié JP, Amado I. Place de l’électroconvulsivothérapie de maintenance dans le traitement des schizophrénies résistantes. Encephale 2008; 34:526-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
There have been inconsistent findings regarding the significance of family history of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in relation to presentation and course of illness. There has been little research relevant to this issue from first-episode patients. We examined the differences in premorbid adjustment, symptoms, and intellectual functioning between 28 first-episode schizophrenia spectrum patients with a history of such illness in first degree relatives and 28 matched patients without such a family history. The results indicate that whereas the 2 groups did not differ in presenting symptoms, those with a positive family history showed poorer intellectual functioning and less reduction in symptoms at 2 and 3 year follow-up and greater likelihood of abnormal electroencephalogram findings. The findings provide evidence that presence of a positive family history in first-episode patients is associated with a more pernicious form of illness.
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Shimizu E, Imai M, Fujisaki M, Shinoda N, Handa S, Watanabe H, Nakazato M, Hashimoto K, Iyo M. Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant disorganized schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2007; 31:571-3. [PMID: 17187911 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Revised: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients who have not responded to recommended antipsychotic medications should be considered for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, there has been controversy about the standardized methods of continuation and maintenance ECT in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. We describe a patient with a serious case of disorganized schizophrenia who had not responded well with any typical and atypical antipsychotic drug for seven years, but responded remarkably to acute ECT. Continuation ECT was necessary to sustain a positive therapeutic response. The patient showed dramatic improvement from 70 to 20 in the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score (71% reduction) after acute ECT and continuation ECT. Using maintenance ECT, she was able to live in the custody of her parents after 7-years hospitalization. This case report suggests that continuation and maintenance ECT benefits patients with serious cases of refractory schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Shimizu
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Kalkman HO. The role of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase–protein kinase B pathway in schizophrenia. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 110:117-34. [PMID: 16434104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2005] [Accepted: 10/26/2005] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroanatomical studies of brains from schizophrenic patients report evidence for neuronal dystrophy, while in genetic studies in schizophrenia there is evidence for mutations in growth factors and the downstream enzymes phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB). Since the PI3K-PKB pathway is involved in cellular growth and proliferation, reduced activity of this cascade in schizophrenia could at least partly explain the neuronal dystrophy. Risk factors for schizophrenia, such as corticosteroids and cannabis, suppress the activity of the PI3K-PKB pathway. Conversely, estrogen and vitamin D, 2 factors with a moderate protective activity in schizophrenia, electroconvulsive shock therapy, and chronic treatment with antipsychotic compounds stimulate the pathway. Reduced activity of the PI3K-PKB pathway makes the brain more susceptible to virus infections, anoxia, and obstetric complications (recognized risk factors for schizophrenia), whereas a diminution of growth factor levels towards the end of puberty could contribute to an increase in schizophrenia symptoms observed around that time. On the other hand, constitutive (over)activation of the PI3K-PKB pathway increases cancer risk. Consequently, the presumed hypoactivity of the PI3K-PKB cascade might provide a partial explanation for the remarkable epidemiological finding of a reduced cancer rate in schizophrenic patients. Recognition of the role of a dysfunctional PI3K-PKB pathway in schizophrenia might help in the discovery of hitherto undetected causative gene mutations and could also lead to novel therapeutic approaches. However, a major challenge that remains to be solved is how the PI3K-PKB pathway can be activated without increasing the risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans O Kalkman
- Neuroscience Research, Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research Basel, Building WSJ-360.4.05, Novartis Pharma AG, CH4002 Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Knowledge about the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on schizophrenia comes from chronic patients and little known on young, first-episode patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate short-term and long-term efficacy of ECT in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. In the first phase of the study, 90 hospitalized, first-episode patients with schizophrenia were enrolled; psychopathology was evaluated with Brief Psychiatric Research Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) on admission and discharge. Antipsychotics were first-line treatment for most of the patients, but medication for nonrespondent catatonic patients and patients who had violent behaviors were treated with ECT. The patients who met the remission criteria were intended to a 1-year follow-up after discharge. BPRS, SAPS, and SANS were monthly recorded during the follow-up. Differences in clinical characteristics, relapse, and rehospitalization rates were analyzed in patients with or without ECT treatment. Thirteen patients were treated with ECT. They were low educated and were more likely nonparanoid subtypes (catatonic, disorganized). The ECT group had higher BPRS scores on admission and their hospitalization period was longer than the antipsychotic group. On the contrary, BPRS and SAPS scores of the ECT group were lower at discharge. The ECT group presented shorter follow-up duration than the antipsychotic group during the follow-up period. In conclusion, the efficacy of ECT was very satisfactory in acute term in first-episode schizophrenia, but the same efficacy was not continuous during the 1-year follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Uçok
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is controversy about the proper place of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the management of the schizophrenic patient, and the important issues related to theory and practice remain to be resolved, especially in the context of medication-resistant schizophrenia. METHOD We briefly summarize existing research in the field. We next use a narrative method to describe in a single article the large body of research from Thailand that, during the past decade, has systematically studied issues related to the use of ECT in medication-resistant schizophrenia. We integrate the findings of the Thai efforts with the results of other research and consider the theoretical and practical importance of the reviewed work. RESULTS The ECT treatment data validate a BRPS cutoff of 25 as a definition of recovery in patients with treatment-refractory schizophrenia, and a cutoff of 37 as a definition of subsequent relapse or suitability for entry into a treatment protocol. A 3-week post-ECT stabilization period identifies patients who maintain improvement and who can be legitimately considered to have sustained response to ECT. Clinical characteristics of such responders and symptoms responsive to ECT are described. Higher stimulus dose hastens response to ECT but does not improve responsiveness. Continuation ECT (C-ECT) combined with maintenance-neuroleptic medication is associated with better treatment outcome than either treatment alone. The combined treatment also improves quality of life and functioning in the long-term. CONCLUSIONS These findings convey several useful thoughts for research into and the practice of ECT for schizophrenia.
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Suzuki K, Awata S, Takano T, Ebina Y, Takamatsu K, Kajiwara T, Ito K, Shindo T, Funakoshi S, Matsuoka H. Improvement of Psychiatric Symptoms after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Young Adults with Intractable First-Episode Schizophrenia and Schizophreniform Disorder. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2006; 210:213-20. [PMID: 17077598 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.210.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that develops mainly in young adults. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known to be effective and safe in patients with schizophrenia with acute psychotic exacerbation. Because of the shortage of systematic studies, we conducted a prospective naturalistic study to examine the short-term effects of acute ECT and its safety in young adults with medically intractable first-episode schizophrenia. Subjects were seven consecutive patients, 15-35 years of age, with first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition; DSM-IV), who had failed to respond to neuroleptics. The seven patients were treated with a first course of ECT, and their clinical symptoms were evaluated on the basis of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (18 items, rated 0-6) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. The GAF Scale is presented in DSM-IV as a means of assessing global functioning of a psychiatric patient. Scores range from 1-100; the higher GAF score indicates the higher global functioning. Adverse effects resulting from acute ECT were also evaluated. The total BPRS score 1 week after the final session improved significantly compared to the total pre-ECT BPRS score. The GAF score also improved significantly compared to the pre-ECT GAF score. There were no adverse effects during the acute ECT course, except for mild delirium. We conclude that ECT may be an effective and safe treatment option for young adults with intractable first-episode schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
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Sobhan T, Sobhan FZ, Feldman JM, Ryan WG. Medication options for treatment-resistant schizophrenia: implications for global mental health financing. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2006; 10:213-9. [PMID: 24941060 DOI: 10.1080/13651500600649960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatment resistance in schizophrenia creates a persistent public health problem and leads to repeated hospitalization. In search for a treatment for such patients, psychiatrists have co-prescribed multiple psychotropic medications simultaneously. Such practice is based mostly on clinical experience, rather than research derived evidence. Such combinations may not be fully "effective" if the cost, adverse effect profile and the potential for noncompliance by patients secondary to regimen complexity are considered. Is it really wise to try these various combinations of costly medicines in the mental health system, which is already struggling with its limited resources and funding worldwide? However, if mental health policy makers restrict reimbursement for such "unproven" combinations, patients might not receive the benefits of some of these combinations, which are showing some promise for the treatment of resistant schizophrenia.
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Falkai P, Wobrock T, Lieberman J, Glenthoj B, Gattaz WF, Möller HJ. World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for biological treatment of schizophrenia, Part 1: acute treatment of schizophrenia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2005; 6:132-91. [PMID: 16173147 DOI: 10.1080/15622970510030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
These guide lines for the biological treatment of schizophrenia were developed by an international Task Force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBO). The goal during the development of these guidelines was to review systematically all available evidence pertaining to the treatment of schizophrenia, and to reach a consensus on a series of practice recommendations that are clinically and scientifically meaningful based on the available evidence. These guidelines are intended for use by all physicians seeing and treating people with schizophrenia. The data used for developing these guidelines have been extracted primarily from various national treatment guidelines and panels for schizophrenia, as well as from meta-analyses, reviews and randomised clinical trials on the efficacy of pharmacological and other biological treatment interventions identified by a search of the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library. The identified literature was evaluated with respect to the strength of evidence for its efficacy and then categorised into four levels of evidence (A-D). This first part of the guidelines covers disease definition, classification, epidemiology and course of schizophrenia, as well as the management of the acute phase treatment. These guidelines are primarily concerned with the biological treatment (including antipsychotic medication, other pharmacological treatment options, electroconvulsive therapy, adjunctive and novel therapeutic strategies) of adults suffering from schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to review the literature on the use of combined antipsychotic medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of schizophrenia, with regard to efficacy, side effects, and ECT technique. METHODS A computerized search of the literature published from 1980 to 2004 was conducted on Medline and PsychoInfo using the words schizophrenia, antipsychotic, neuroleptic, psychotropic, and ECT. Only studies including patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. RESULTS We identified 42 articles including 1371 patients. The majority of the reports consist of uncontrolled studies (n = 31), mostly with typical antipsychotics (n = 23). Results from open studies suggest that the combination of ECT and antipsychotics is a very useful and safe strategy for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. Double-blind controlled studies (n = 8) were inconclusive. Twelve articles were on the combination of clozapine and ECT. Initial concerns about the safety of the coadministration of clozapine and ECT were not substantiated, but despite the auspicious results from several case reports and 2 open trials, this combination remains understudied. Most studies preferred the bitemporal placement (n = 28), but because of insufficient data derived from direct comparisons, no conclusion on placement superiority can be reached. One study indicates that with the bilateral placement higher electrical dosages yields faster responses in this population. CONCLUSIONS The body of the data provided by research is still insufficient to allow definitive conclusions on the combination of antipsychotics and ECT. However, the literature reviewed indicates that the combination is a safe and efficacious treatment strategy for patients with schizophrenia, especially those refractory to conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael J Braga
- Psychiatry Research Department, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-LIJ Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
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Lauber C, Nordt C, Falcato L, Rössler W. Can a seizure help? The public's attitude toward electroconvulsive therapy. Psychiatry Res 2005; 134:205-9. [PMID: 15840423 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2004.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2004] [Revised: 03/11/2004] [Accepted: 07/06/2004] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite controversial discussions in the general population, little is known about the public's attitude toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We examined in a representative opinion survey (N=1737) (1) whether the lay public views ECT as an appropriate treatment for schizophrenia and depression, and (2) how demographic, psychological, sociological, and cultural variables influence attitudes. Most respondents (57%) considered ECT as a harmful treatment, and only a small number (1.2%) were in favor of ECT. A large number of respondents did not consider ECT as a treatment. We identified three predictors of negative attitude toward ECT (younger age, cultural area, greater degree of contact with the mentally ill; R2=0.042). The finding was not affected by the type of illness. Thus, having a prejudice toward ECT is a 'uniform attitude' that does not significantly vary between individual, demographic, or cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Lauber
- Psychiatric University Hospital, Militärstrasse 8, PO Box 1930, CH-8021 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Arranz M, Kerwin R. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic research for the prediction of response to antipsychotics in schizophrenia. Drug Dev Res 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.10289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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