Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments in late-onset schizophrenia: Report of a case

Abstract

Female patient, 66 years old, who goes to the doctor because of behavioral disorders and delusional injury 8 months of evolution. She showed no personal history of psychiatric disorders. In the psychopathological examination some relevant symptoms are seen delusions of prejudice with their immediate surroundings, self-referential regarding neighbors and walls. Delusional interpretations of sexual content. Punitive pseudo hallucinations hearing which are identifies with her daughters and sex with her son-in-law. Behavioral disorders consisting of going out naked into the street overnight and rebuking pedestrians; furthermore, she showed heteroaggressivity towards objects. Logical psychotropic treatment is initiated as indicated by the guidelines having no effect. Electroconvulsive therapy being tested an effective result. The late-onset schizophrenia symptoms should be taken into account in people with psychotic symptoms start at an advanced age, but is most prevalent at younger ages. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used as an adjunct to drug therapy or as second-line treatment in patients with affective or psychotic disorders resistant to treatment with psychotropic drugs. It is essential a differential diagnosis with dementia symptoms previously established, given that part of the late-onset schizophrenia evolves to dementia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.