Successful use of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of clozapine-associated obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia: a case report

J ECT. 2011 Mar;27(1):e37-8. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e3181ec0d64.

Abstract

Denovo obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms are associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics, clozapine in particular. Treatment of clozapine-associated OC symptoms is challenging and often difficult because continuation of clozapine can result in worsening of OC symptoms, whereas discontinuation may result in worsening of psychosis. We report, for the first time, the use of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy, in clozapine-associated OC symptoms, in a patient with schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine