[ECT in patients with deep brain stimulation: The first cases in the Netherlands]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is among the most effective treatments for severe depression. However, there is a lack of research regarding its safety and efficacy in patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS). While the available clinical data does not indicate safety concerns, clinicians are often cautious due to theoretical risks and manufacturer warnings. However with a growing number of patients receiving DBS, the group that could benefit from ECT is expanding. In this report, we present the first two cases in the Netherlands in which ECT was administered to patients with DBS. Our findings suggest that ECT can be safely and effectively administered when the DBS system is switched off during ECT-stimulus. Clinically, this means that these patients should not be excluded from ECT but instead referred to specialized centers for evaluation and care.