Efficacy of Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in combination with risperidone tablets and psycho- therapy in the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS).

Methods: Patients with TRS admitted to the psychiatric department of our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 were selected as study participants. They were randomly divided into a control group and a study group, with the control group receiving risperidone tablets and psychotherapy, and the study group undergoing MECT as well as the control group treatment. The mood scores, efficacy, and side effects of the 2 groups were compared.

Results: After treatment, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (t=2.316, P = .021) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (t = 2.919, P = .013) scores of the study group were sig- nificantly lower than those of the control group. The overall remission rate in the study group was 96.3%, which was higher than that of the control group (2 = 9.319, P = .007). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (t = 8.126, P = .003), Traumatic Exposure Severity Scale (t = 13.210, P = .002), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (t = 6.412, P = .001) scores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. The Wechsler Memory Scale score was higher in the study group than in the control group (t = 3.971, P = .002).

Conclusion: The use of MECT in combination with risperidone tablets and psychotherapy can effectively improve patient mood, increase efficacy, reduce adverse effects, promote memory recovery, and shorten recovery time in patients with TRS.

Cite this article as: Chen H, Wang X, Guo P, et al. Efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25(6):700-704.