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Refractory mania and inability to consent: an important role for involuntary ECT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 March 2013

J. Lally  and
C. McDonald
J. Lally*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, National University of Ireland Galway, and West Galway Mental Health Services, Health Service Executive West, Galway, Ireland
C. McDonald
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, National University of Ireland Galway, and West Galway Mental Health Services, Health Service Executive West, Galway, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr John Lally, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London King's Health Partners, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF England. (Email john.lally@kcl.ac.uk)
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Abstract

We present the case of a 23-year-old man with a first episode of severe mania, which was refractory to pharmacotherapy. The case demonstrates a rapid response and full recovery after the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The ECT was administered involuntarily under Section 59(1) (b) of the Irish Mental Health Act 2001 as the patient was unable to consent to the treatment. The case highlights the benefits of ECT for this serious condition and emphasises the importance of retaining the legislative capacity to provide such an effective treatment for patients unable to consent because of severe psychotic illness.

Keywords

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)involuntarymaniarefractory
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , March 2013 , pp. 73 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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