ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY IN DEPRESSION ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Abstract

Depression is a frequent comorbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD), worsening patients' quality of life due to the complex interaction between motor and non-motor symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression in PD, with evidence of significant improvement in depressive symptoms, especially in cases where other therapies have failed. This study reviews the current literature on ECT in PD, exploring neurobiological mechanisms, treatment protocols, and clinical and ethical challenges. The methodology included searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with inclusion criteria for randomized clinical trials, controlled trials, and systematic reviews. Qualitative data analysis indicated improvements in depressive symptoms and modest but significant impacts on motor symptoms. The findings underscore the need for controlled and long-term clinical trials to validate the safety and efficacy of ECT, proposing it as a viable approach to improving the mental health of patients with PD. However, it is crucial to evaluate the risks and benefits, especially regarding adverse cognitive and motor effects, and adopt a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to managing depression in PD.