Benefits of using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1580Keywords:
electroconvulsive therapy, clinical manifestations, positive effects, Parkinson's disease, ECTAbstract
Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with alterations in several neurotransmitter pathways. Clinical manifestations include motor changes such as bradykinesia and hypokinesia, along with resting tremor and/or rigidity. Patients may also present with non-motor symptoms related to the disease itself or to the medications used to treat it, including neuropsychiatric manifestations such as psychotic symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, apathy, and catatonia. Treatment involves pharmacological approaches, with levodopa being the first-line drug, which may be combined with other drugs, and non-pharmacological approaches such as exercise, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Studies have described ECT as a safe and efficient method in the treatment of various psychiatric (such as depression and psychosis) and neurological (Parkinson's disease) conditions, especially when pharmacological treatment is ineffective. Regarding studies on PD, research has demonstrated improvement in both motor and non-motor symptoms. Objective: The goal of this study was to review and present the beneficial effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methodology: The SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) methodology was used. A literature review was conducted, selecting articles published in journals from the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine/NLM (PUBMED), and UpToDate databases. Results: The results showed that the use of ECT offers advantages over pharmacological treatment, especially when combined with other psychotherapeutic measures. Conclusion: Therefore, the use of ECT for the treatment of PD is recommended to improve the quality of life of patients.
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