Abstract
Objective. The presented case illustrates the timing of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Case. In a 79-year-old female patient ECT was administered for the treatment of a severe drug-refractory depressive episode with psychotic features in the course of recurrent major depression. The procedure was performed using bi-temporally localized electrodes, with simultaneous EEG and EKG monitoring. After a basic series of eight ECT procedures the patient's functioning improved, but she still required an intense maintenance treatment including ECT.
Commentary. Maintenance ECT is a very effective and well-tolerated method. Although attempts are made to produce recommendations determining the frequency and duration of ECT treatment, it is the patient's current clinical status that should always decide what treatment intensity is needed.