Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Electroconvulsive therapy in a terminally ill patient: when every day of improvement counts
Marlies E Mulder1, Bastiaan Verwey, Jeroen A van Waarde
1Department of Psychiatry, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands. marlies.e.mulder@gmail.com
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is seldom used in a palliative setting. Although literature on the application of ECT in terminally ill patients is sparse, ECT may be useful to rapidly improve the quality of life in these patients. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with metastasized pancreas carcinoma complicated by severe depression. After 3 ECT sessions, the communication between the patient and his family in the last moments of his life improved. We conclude that ECT should be considered to treat mood disorders in terminally ill patients when every day of improvement counts.
Related Concept Videos
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

