When used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, manic symptoms can often respond quickly to ECT.4 Some have argued that ECT is a historically underused resource in treating bipolar disorder, perhaps because of stigma, availability, and practical issues regarding its use.4
References:
1. Mutz J. Brain stimulation treatment for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2023; 25 (1): 9–24.
2. Bahji A, Hawken ER, Sepehry AA, et al. ECT beyond unipolar major depression: systematic review and meta-analysis of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2019; 139 (3): 214–226.
3. Zhang J, Wang G, Yang X, Gao K. Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy plus medication versus medication alone in acute mania: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Res 2021; 302: 114019.
4. Elias A, Thomas N, Sackeim HA. Electroconvulsive therapy in mania: a review of 80 years of clinical experience. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178 (3): 229–239.