Modified electroconvulsive therapy for refractory schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy ( MECT ) for refractory schizophrenia.Methods 100 patients with refractory schizophrenia who had been hospitalized during the period of June 2010 to June 2011 were treated With antipsychotic medication and MECT.The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale ( PANSS )were used to evaluate the clinical effect and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale ( TESS ) was used to determine adverse reactions.Results The effective rate was 9％ on week 1,29％ on week 4,and 56％ on week 8.The total scores on the PANSS,positive symptoms,negative symptoms,and general psychopathologic scores were significantly decreased on weeks 4 and 8 ( P≤0.05 or P≤0.01 ).There was no statistical difference in the scores on the TESS ( P＞ 0.05 ).Adverse reactions occurred slightly during treatment.Conclusions Antipsychotic medication combined with modified electroconvulsive therapy is effective for refractory schizophrenia without increased adverse reactions. Key words: Modified electroconvulsive therapy; Refractory schizophrenia; Schizophrenia