Electroconvulsive Therapy and Other Neuromodulation Techniques for the Treatment of Psychosis

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy is an established treatment for symptoms of psychosis and is currently recommended for use in patients who are experiencing an acute exacerbation of positive symptoms or who have had catatonia. There is also evidence to suggest that electroconvulsive therapy can be a safe, effective treatment in first episode psychosis, such as schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly in treatment-resistant patients. Other forms of neuromodulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation) have less of an evidence base to support their use and are not formally indicated for the treatment of psychosis.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation; Electroconvulsive therapy; First episode psychosis; Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Transcranial magnetic therapy; Vagus nerve stimulation.