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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:07
Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
[Electroconvulsive therapy for multiple major self-mutilations in bipolar psychotic depression]
Manu Arora1, Samir Kumar Praharaj, Ravi Prakash
1Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, Avusturalya. drmanu2004@rediffmail.com
Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish Journal of Psychiatry
|June 19, 2008
Summary
This case study highlights electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an effective treatment for severe self-mutilation in bipolar disorder. The patient showed significant improvement after ECT, with no recurrence of self-injurious behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-mutilation is a complex behavior with varying forms and associations.
- It can range from low-intensity, high-frequency acts in personality disorders to severe, destructive acts in psychosis or intoxication.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male with bipolar affective disorder experienced severe self-mutilation during a psychotic depression episode.
- Injuries included dental trauma, burns, crush injuries, and genital lacerations.
Findings:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was administered due to the extreme nature of the self-mutilating behavior.
- Significant improvement in self-mutilation was observed after the fourth ECT session.
- Following 8 ECT sessions, the patient was treated with lithium carbonate and haloperidol, with no relapse at four-month follow-up.
Implications:
- Electroconvulsive therapy can be a crucial intervention for managing life-threatening self-mutilation in psychotic depression.
- Combined pharmacotherapy with lithium and haloperidol may prevent recurrence of self-injurious behavior.
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