PMID: 29782784Sep 1, 2016Paper

New Onset Seizure Disorder Following Electroconvulsive Therapy

Connecticut Medicine
Chindhuri SelvaduraiCamille Alvarado

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for many psychiatric illnesses including refractory depression, catatonia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, along with neuropsychiatric diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. The emergence of a seizure disorder after the initiation of ECT is a rare but severe occurrence. It can become challenging for clinicians to determine whether ECT should be continued. We present a case of a 73-year-old female with schizoaffective disorder who received a total of 173 ECT treatments over the course of five years for breakthrough psychosis due to medication nonadherence. After five years of treatment, she experienced her first episode of tonic-clonic seizure activity. We review the current evidence and discuss factors that should be considered when treating such an individual.

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Catatonic Schizophrenia

Catatonia is a psychomotor symptom in which patients present with stupor, although catatonic excitement may also present at the other end of the spectrum. Catatonia has been historically associated with schizophrenia although it is also associated with other neuropsychiatric disorders. Find the latest research on catatonic schizophrenia here.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic and/or depressive episodes and associated with uncommon shifts in mood, activity levels, and energy. Discover the latest research this illness here.

Catatonia

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome with motor and behavioral symptoms, and can occur in both patients with or without psychiatric illness. Discover the latest research on Catatonia here.

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