Electroconvulsive therapy for a schizophrenic patient with burns in the critical care centre

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a schizophrenic patient with burns in the critical care centre is reported. The patient was a 26-year-old male. He had sustained burns over 45 per cent of his body during a suicide attempt. After admission to the critical care centre, he remained restless despite intensive therapy with neuroleptics. Three months after admission, ECT with muscle relaxation was administered in the critical care centre. After ECT, the patient became emotionally stable and cooperated with the subsequent burn treatment. ECT is available for burned patients along with somatic treatment in critical care centres.