The use of electroconvulsive therapy in postpartum affective disorders

Postpartum affective disorders continue to be a major health issue for women. There is a general belief that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe or treatment-refractory postpartum affective illnesses, but evidence to support this assertion is lacking. In this case series, we present 5 cases of women with postpartum depression and psychosis, all of whom had failed prior pharmacological therapy. All 5 women had a significant response within 3 to 6 treatments with ECT. Our findings suggest that ECT is overall an effective treatment of postpartum illnesses. In addition to being an excellent choice for women who have failed prior medication trials, ECT may also be considered for women whose severity of illness necessitates rapid symptom resolution.