[Electroconvulsive therapy in people with intellectual disability].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Intellectual Disability Research

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) experience mental health disorders at rates similar to the general population.
• Access to effective treatments like Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often a significant challenge for patients with ID.
• ECT is a proven, highly effective treatment for severe mental illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on ECT use in patients with intellectual disability.
• To present a case report illustrating the clinical application of ECT in an ID patient.
• To highlight the effectiveness and accessibility of ECT for individuals with ID.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted, retrieving 100 articles and 208 case reports.
• Analysis focused on the efficacy and safety of ECT in patients with ID.
• A case report detailed a typical clinical ECT routine for an ID patient.

Main Results:

• ECT demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating severe affective, psychotic, and catatonic disorders in individuals with ID.
• Observed side effects were comparable to those in the general population.
• ECT use was associated with improved mental health and quality of life, often being life-saving.

Conclusions:

• ECT is an effective and safe treatment option for severe mental illness in people with ID.
• Improving access to ECT for individuals with ID aligns with their right to equal treatment.
• Early planning for relapse prophylaxis is crucial for sustained benefits.