Implementing Electroconvulsive Therapy for Patients Experiencing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has long been used to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, there are no guidelines for the use of ECT in this population. Contributing to efforts addressing this gap in the literature, this qualitative systematic review examines areas of consensus and disagreement in currently published protocols for the use of ECT in BPSD.

METHODS

MEDLINE and PsychInfo were searched for primary and secondary literature meeting the aim of this review. All articles were screened, full-text reviewed, and extracted in duplicate. A framework synthesis methodology was used to identify key steps in conducting ECT for BPSD.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies were included in this systematic review. Although these studies converged on similar indications for using ECT in BPSD, there was significant heterogeneity in the stimulus characteristics used and approaches to maintenance treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

ECT holds promise in the treatment of BPSD. Although further research is needed to establish optimal treatment parameters, this review can be used by clinicians to identify potential approaches to using ECT.