Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on bipolar disorder: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1593Keywords:
Neuromodulation, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Bipolar Mood Disorder, ECTAbstract
Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy is a neuromodulation therapy based on the induction of cerebral seizures through alternating currents with promising results in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders, such as the bipolar disorder. Objective: To analyze its role in the management of these patients, including its impact on the various manifestations of bipolar disorder, its side effect profile, and the influence of the techniques employed. Method: Systematic review, conducted between January 2025 and October 2025, in accordance with the aspects described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, and registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) platform under number CRD420250623417. Nine data platforms were used to search for case-control studies or randomized clinical trials addressing the use of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with bipolar disorder, whether or not combined with other therapies. Results: The search yielded five articles that met the eligibility criteria, from which the following variables were extracted: electroconvulsive therapy techniques used, number of participants, use of other therapies, participant characteristics, reported side effects, outcome, and outcome assessment scale or method. Conclusion: Electroconvulsive therapy has proven highly effective in controlling the manic and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, providing rapid results and reducing the need for associated psychotropic medications. Its side effects were self-limiting or easily manageable, but neurocognitive impairments must be noted, especially in autobiographical memory domain.
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