ECT in Autism Spectrum Disorders: an Update to the Literature

 Out on PubMed, from authors in the USA, is this review:

Electroconvulsive therapy in autism spectrum disorders: an update to the literature.

Wachtel L, Luccarelli J, Falligant JM, Smith JR.Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2024 Dec 23. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000985. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39804212
The abstract is copied below:
Purpose of review: Over the last quarter century, the clinical evidence surrounding the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has expanded. This review provides the most up-to-date findings on the usage of ECT in ASD and discusses these results within the historical context and direct patient care experience.

Recent findings: ECT is typically implemented for psychotropic-refractory catatonic, affective, psychotic, and combined pathology for individuals across the lifespan. Although highly stigmatized, ECT is well tolerated, efficacious, and potentially lifesaving for select individuals. A case presentation of an individual with autism as well as a summary of legal restrictions hampering his ECT access is presented.

Summary: ECT is increasingly used in individuals with ASD who present with a wide range of ECT-responsive psychopathology, as well as repetitive self-injury and late, autistic-like regression for which no cause is found. ECT is well tolerated and offers real hope for many ASD individuals with devastating, treatment-refractory conditions.

The article is here.
And from the text:





Here is an excellent review of the use of ECT for individuals with ASD complicated by severe neuropsychiatric syndromes. A compelling new case report is presented, in addition to the literature review.
Kudos to Dr. Wachtel, who has been a leader in developing the use of ECT in these important indications.

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