Abstract
Adjunctive electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of a patient with comorbid major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anorexia nervosa – a case report
- II Psychiatric Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
- Center for Preclinical Research, Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
Purpose
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still-underdiagnosed and often accompanied by other psychiatric disorders affecting treatment and outcomes.
Case description
Here we present a case report of a 28-year-old female patient with comorbid PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anorexia nervosa (AN). The patient had been treated with various medications and attended trauma-focused psychotherapy. Because none of these treatments yielded satisfying improvement, the patient was referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We had to overcome challenges such as the patient’s false assumptions about ECT, the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines and the management of the side effects of ECT. The symptoms of MDD and PTSD improved after 12 treatment sessions.
Comment
Our report suggests that ECT may be a safe and effective method for treating patients with PTSD and comorbid MDD and AN.
Keywords
major depressive disorder, anorexia nervosa, electroconvulsive therapy, comorbidity, posttraumatic stress disorder
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