Electroconvulsive therapy in an adolescent with autism and bipolar I disorder.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Institution/Department

MaineHealth, Psychiatry

Journal Title

The journal of ECT

MeSH Headings

Adolescent, Aggression, Antimanic Agents, Antipsychotic Agents, Autistic Disorder, Behavior, Bipolar Disorder, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Humans, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Lithium Carbonate, Male, Self-Injurious Behavior

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We report a positive response to electroconvulsive therapy in a severely functionally impaired adolescent with autistic disorder and classic bipolar I disorder, including an episodic pattern of decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, expansive and agitated affect, aggression, self-injury, and property destruction.

METHODS: After ineffective trials of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics as well as inability to sustain a positive response to lithium due to medication noncompliance, a course of acute and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy was attempted.

RESULTS: A marked and sustained improvement across all symptom categories, as measured by directly observed frequency counts of target behaviors in an inpatient setting, was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS: Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered a potentially useful intervention in cases of children with autistic disorder and a severe comorbid affective disorder.

ISSN

1533-4112

First Page

252

Last Page

255

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