Electroconvulsive treatment during pregnancy: a systematic review

Abstract

Pharmacological treatment of severe psychiatric disorders during pregnancy is complicated by the potential harmful effects of treatment for the fetus. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of several mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of ECT in the treatment of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy; to compare its efficacy with medication; and to identify the main indications for use in pregnancy. We performed a careful and systematic review of the literature on ECT and pregnancy was conducted. Almost all patients demonstrated total or at least partial remission of symptoms after ECT treatment. No deaths were reported in ECT-treated pregnant women. We conclude that ECT is probably currently under-used in many psychiatric settings because of its stigmatized perception by patients and by mental health professionals. ECT seems to be effective for treating major psychiatric disorders during pregnancy, and the risks of adverse events are low.

Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in the first trimester of pregnancy: a case of severe manic catatonia

“…There is substantial evidence showing that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an appropriate option for managing psychopathological conditions, such as stupor or catatonia, which can be life‐threatening during pregnancy . Nevertheless, ECT is often neglected by mental health providers due to safety concerns for both the woman and the fetus.…”

Is Conduct of Research in Electroconvulsive Therapy Ethical?

“…This area is also under-researched [52,58], perhaps in part due to the misconceived stigma associated with ECT [53]. …”

Evaluation of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients receiving Electro-Convulsive Therapy

“…In other words, the electroshock from two electrodes on the head releases an electrical current to the brain that can lead to a change in brain size (Pompili et al, 2014;Read and Bentall, 2010). ECT is one of the most effective treatments in psychiatry (Mowla et al, 2013).…”