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Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
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Continuation Electroconvulsive Therapy for Patients With Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Raphael J Braga1, Majnu John, Nina R Schooler
1From the Division of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks; and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY.
The Journal of ECT
|April 12, 2019
Summary
Continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) maintained treatment gains in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia patients. Long-term ECT use showed no additional adverse effects, offering a promising strategy for refractory cases.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Relapse after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a challenge, especially in treatment-resistant patients.
- Continuation ECT strategies are not well-studied in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.
- Previous research showed ECT augmentation of clozapine is effective for acute treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who responded to acute ECT augmentation with clozapine.
Main Methods:
- Continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was offered to responders of the acute phase.
- A tapered schedule of 10 sessions was administered over time: weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly.
Main Results:
- Patients maintained acute treatment gains during continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- No patient experienced clinically significant symptom worsening.
- Long-term electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) did not result in additional adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) appears effective in maintaining treatment response in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.
- This pilot study suggests continuation ECT is a viable option for refractory cases.
- Further research is warranted due to the small sample size.
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