title: [Electroconvulsive treatment in parkinsonism].
abstract: This article describes three patients with different causes of parkinsonian syndromes where electroconvulsive treatment markedly improved their symptoms. The results are discussed and compared with those of previously published studies. Most of these studies, however, have substantial methodological shortcomings. The mechanism inducing the improvement is unknown, but could possibly be increased postsynaptic dopamine function. The literature indicates that electroconvulsive treatment has antiparkinsonian effects independent of any effect on mental state. We suggest that patients with parkinsonian syndromes, who respond unsatisfactorily to conventional therapy, as well as patients who develop severe neuropsychiatric manifestations, should be considered for a course of electroconvulsive treatment.
authors.affiliation: Alderspsykiatrisk poliklinikk, Rogaland psykiatriske sjukehus, Stavanger.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arsland
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tandberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
vernacular_title: Elektrokonvulsiv behandling ved parkinsonisme.