Successful Electroconvulsive Therapy for a 57-Year-Old Woman With Major Depressive Disorder and Dissociative Disorder: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract

Abstract: Patients with dissociative disorders may have comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD), which is often difficult to treat. We report the case of a 57-year-old female patient with dissociative disorder comorbid with MDD who did not respond to multiple medications and psychotherapy and was treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The patient showed a reduction of greater than 50% in both Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Dissociative Experiences Scale-II scores after ECT, indicating a significant improvement in both depressive and dissociative symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy was effective not only for MDD but also potentially for dissociative symptoms. Thus, ECT may be considered a treatment option for patients with MDD and comorbid dissociative disorders.