Electroconvulsive Therapy as a Treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia

To review the published literature over the last 10 years for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in tardive dyskinesia (TD), focusing on the efficacy of this treatment.

A comprehensive evidence search of the published literature in the last 10 years (2010-2020) was conducted using the search terms electroconvulsive therapy, electroshock therapy, ECT, tardive dyskinesia, and tardive dystonia. The review was limited to articles published in the English language. MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines were also searched.

Twenty-three case studies published within the last 10 years were retrieved. The search revealed 5 articles of potential relevance.

The articles were analyzed by both authors to obtain clinical information relevant to meeting the objectives of the review.

The efficacy in using ECT for TD is derived only from case series and case reports. There were no controlled trials, and the evidence collated was limited and of low quality.

The review indicates that ECT could be considered as a treatment for TD. However, this treatment may only be considered when patients present with a coexistent refractory mood or affective disorder. Further clinical trials are needed to improve understanding regarding the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of using ECT in this patient group.