Commentary on 3 Unusual Cases Involving Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Well-established practice guidelines and a solid body of evidence underpin the safe and effective use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), primarily in mood disorders. In this issue of the journal, 3 case reports deal with situations that fall outside of the usual guidelines: treatment resistance to ECT overcome by combined use with antidepressant medication; use of ECT in the presence of polymyositis; and use of ECT for an unusually severe case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, assisted by consultation from an online expert resource. The value of case reports and expert consultation in situations in which there is little or no evidence from clinical trials is also discussed.