Electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of refractory mania.
We present the case of a patient with treatment-refractory mania. The patient had been tried on numerous medications, to which she either did not respond well or on which she developed severe side effects, However, the patient improved rapidly when treated with unilateral electropercussive therapy (ECT) following a court order. We outline the legal barriers that have been raised against the use of ECT in patients with mania, who often refuse treatment, and the irony that ECT can be safer than medications for some patients. ECT is underutilized in mania but deserves more frequent consideration. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 2011;17:61-66).
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Lee A
LA
Robinson
Julie B
JB
Penzner
Stan
S
Arkow
David A
DA
Kahn
Joshua A
JA
Berman
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010546:Perphenazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D008687:Metformin; D010546:Perphenazine