Role of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia in Forensic Psychiatry

J ECT. 2022 Sep 1;38(3):156-158. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0000000000000843. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

Abstract

Long-term institutionalization of the forensic psychiatry patient population places a psychological burden on patients and family members as well as a financial burden on the health care system at large. Although electroconvulsive therapy is a well-established tool for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it is infrequently used in the forensic setting. This review serves to demonstrate an example of electroconvulsive therapy in combination with clozapine as a means of reducing length of hospitalization in a forensic psychiatric patient. Furthermore, this review will discuss factors limiting the prescribing of electroconvulsive therapy to this patient population including ethical considerations and availability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents*
  • Clozapine*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Schizophrenia*
  • Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine