Effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with a treatment-resistant major depressive episode and comorbid body dysmorphic disorder

J ECT. 2013 Jun;29(2):145-6. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827ce88e.

Abstract

A 24-year-old man experiencing comorbid body dysmorphic disorder since age 16 years, complicated in recent months by a major depressive episode with psychotic features, showed resistance to various drug and psychotherapy combinations. We suggested electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to overcome treatment resistance. After 1 ECT cycle, mood and anxiety symptoms improved significantly, delusional interpretations and ideas of reference subsided, and dysmorphophobic symptoms improved as well. Six months later, the patient was doing well with a mood stabilizer/antipsychotic combination. Electroconvulsive therapy may improve symptoms of comorbid body dysmorphic disorder along with mood improvement in treatment-resistant depressive disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders / complications
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders / psychology
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders / therapy*
  • Delusions / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / therapy*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents