ECT has been replaced by neuroleptics for the treatment of
schizophrenia. The production of serious drug-related side effects,
particularly tardive dyskinesia, raises the question of the efficacy and
toxicity of ECT versus neuroleptics. Most of the studies in the English
literature on the use of ECT in the treatment of schizophrenia are
unacceptable according to contemporary criteria: the question of ECT versus
neuroleptic drugs thus remains unanswered. In the few acceptable published
studies, clinical response to ECT was inversely proportional to duration of
schizophrenic symptoms. Schizophrenic patients with affective and catatonic
symptoms responded best: those with chronic symptoms rarely responded. ECT
does not alter the fundamental psychopathology of schizophrenia.Abstract Teaser