ECT for psychiatric conditions associated with epilepsy

Abstract

In 1938, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was developed on the basis of the theory that a biological antagonism exists between seizures and severe psychopathologic states such as psychosis. During the period after its introduction, ECT was found effective for treating various psychiatric illnesses, especially depression. Recently, ECT has been used in treating other neuropsychiatric disorders including Parkinson’s disease and thalamic pain. However, few studies have been done concerning the use of ECT for psychiatric conditions associated with epilepsy in Japan. In non-Japanese literature, ECT is considered safe even in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, the effectiveness of ECT in PWE is controversial. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that the pathogenesis and symptoms of psychiatric conditions associated with PWE are more complex and diverse than were previously thought. To contribute to research worldwide research in the future, Japanese psychiatrists familiar with epilepsy need to collaborate with Japanese experts on ECT to gain knowledge about these issues.