Family and Caregiver Schizophrenia Discussion Forum

Running out of options! :( - ECT for Treatment resistant Schizophrenia?

#1

My partner was diagnosed with schizophrenia about four years ago… He has been in and out of hospitals in Australia over the past few years. He has been on most medications with no relief of symptoms. Clozapine was given on one hospital admission with significant change although he developed a heart problem and cardiologist wouldn’t allow to continue. He is currently in hospital where his doctors are talking about ect…

Has anyone had experience or feedback in a similar situation? I think when we have exhausted all options I would want him to try it although he’s very hesitant…

I wish there was more hope for people with schizophrenia i have watched the decline of a bubbly happy person into a paranoid delusional person.

It’s so hard to stay positive :frowning:

#2

Has he tried olanzapine? Similarly effective to clozapine without as severe side effects, but still has side effects… http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14687871

I hope you and your husband find something that works.

#3

I recommend you read up on ECT for schizophrenia. Some info is here, and more at the link below:

Electroconvulsive Therapy Overview
http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/ect1.html

Why do we prescribe ECT to schizophrenia patients?

Electroconvulsive Therapy, with Clozapine, Shows Promise for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
https://bbrfoundation.org/brain-matters-discoveries/electroconvulsive-therapy-with-clozapine-shows-promise-for-patients-with

Adjunctive ECT Effective for Drug-Resistant Schizophrenia
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/831626

More here:

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome-psyapi2&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8&q=schizophrenia%20ECT&oq=schizophrenia%20ECT&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3528j0j1

#4

There’s a DNA test to determine which med is metabolized the best, perhaps try that first. Maybe there’s a drug available that hasn’t been tried. I had the test done by alpha genomix, takes a week to get results back.

#5

Thanks for your reply he has been on olanzapine for 8 weeks but hasn’t felt any relief from symptoms. I think his doctors are going to try a mix of two different ones :slight_smile:

#6

Thank you for all the information regarding ect I will definetly read up and the dna test is very interesting I didn’t know that was an option! Great to know… Thanks guys

#7

Another treatment that has provided some success is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. However, it is not approved for treatment of schizophrenia in the US, so is expensive since insurance doesn’t pay for it.

#8

Olanzapine works quickly for most people, if it’s going to work. So, I’m sorry that didn’t help him.

Some people have had luck with minocycline, an antibiotic.

Also, find out with DNA test about medications, how they metabolize, and “methylation.”

As I’m sure you know, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies (esp B [related to methylation] and D) could contribute to symptoms.

Can he exercise? Admin has been posting numerous articles that aerobic activity helps psychosis.

I’m just thinking that building up a bunch of small improvements might help a little bit.

And make sure the doctors prescribe something effective for sleep…

I hope they find the best way to help your husband. And I hope you can feel okay during all this.

#9

It is hard but not impossible. Try to take care of yourself and get your rest. It will go a long way in helping you help others. Focus on the positive as they often mirror our emotions and when we are calm they can be calm. God bless you both.