Guide To Schizophrenia Treatment

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment used for schizophrenia and severe depression. It is typically suggested after a patient has tried many different medications without success. ECT is among the most effective and fastest-acting methods of providing symptom relief to suicidal, severely depressed, or manic patients. When used for schizophrenia, the most common reason is catatonia. An individual becomes catatonic when their muscles are rigid, and they can't be moved by others. They don't respond to external stimuli like conversations or touch. Severe catatonia may be treated with electroconvulsive therapy if the patient hasn't responded to other treatment methods. ECT is sometimes used for other schizophrenia symptoms like disorganized cognitive patterns, hallucinations, and delusions. Research indicates the treatment has a better effect on psychosis when a patient also presents with mood-related symptoms like depression.