Electroconvulsive therapy for Patients with Intellectual Disability. When and how?

Introduction Intelectual disability is an illness with important burden on patients and caregivers, especially when severe comorbidities such as other psychiatric disorders are present. There case reports of treatment resistant self-aggression, agitation, epilepsy, catatonia psychosis successfully treated electroconvulsive therapy although controlled studies were not found. Objectives This work reviewed the current evidence for use in management intellectual well its ethical methodological implications. Methods Non-systematic review literature selection scientific articles published past 20 years; by searching Pubmed Medscape databases using combination MeSH descriptors. The following terms used: “electroconvulsive therapy”, “intellectual disability”. Results Patients can have incapacitating comorbilities that greatly impair quality life, may require withdrawl from community Treatment often differs general population psychotropic medication worsen comorbilities. Electroconvulsive be a relevant option this due to safety profile. Ethical considerations should taken into account, non-verbal or adequate representatives been chosen cannot reached. Different legal challenges present different countries. Conclusions share burdens heavy stigma low investment. Intellectual it’s commorbidites both diagnostic challenge. weapon capable restoring their families diminishing caregivers healthcare systems Disclosure No significant relationships.