ECT and mental retardation: a review and case reports

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with mental retardation has received limited study and is a subject of controversy. Specific difficulties in using ECT for this patient population include diagnostic dilemmas, difficulties with measuring outcome and monitoring side effects, and problems with professional attitudes. We report our experience with two cases in which ECT was applied to treat severe psychotic and catatonic symptoms. In case 1, a 22-year-old male patient with a history of moderate mental retardation, bipolar disorder, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome was admitted to manage his disruptive behavior and psychotic symptoms. The patient responded well to six bilateral ECTs with diminution of his psychotic symptoms and behavioral disturbances. In Case 2, a 39-year-old female patient with a history of mental retardation, schizoaffective disorder, and catatonic symptoms successfully responded to 11 bilateral ECTs. We conclude that ECT can be used safely and effectively in patients with mental retardation and severe or refractory psychotic symptoms.