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Abstract
Aim: We performed a systematic review of evidence regarding treatment of depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) utilizing electroconvulsive therapy. Methods: The search led to the inclusion of 43 articles, mainly case reports or case series, with the largest number of patients totaling 19. Results: The analysis included 116 patients with depression and PD; depression improved in 93.1%. Where motor symptoms’ severity was reported, 83% of patients improved. Cognition did not worsen in the majority (94%). Many patients experienced delirium or transient confusion, sometimes necessitating discontinuation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Little is known about maintenance ECT in this population. Conclusion: ECT can benefit patients suffering from PD and depression. We recommend an algorithm for treatment of depression in PD, utilizing ECT sooner rather than later.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Notes
ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy; PD: Parkinson’s disease; TCA: Tricyclic antidepressants; TMS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation.
ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy.