Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Chronic, Severe, Treatment Resistant Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Efficacy of ECT in Chronic, Severe, Antidepressant- And CBT-Refractory Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Open, Prospective Study

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a chronic debilitating illness and few treatment options have demonstrated effectiveness. The study will look at the use of electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress disorder in patients who have not responded to multiple antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of PTSD
• Treatment resistance to 4 different antidepressants from 3 different classes
• Treatment resistance to CBT
• Severe PTSD

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant substance abuse
• Pregnancy
• History of Traumatic Brain Injury
• Unstable comorbid medical illness
• Organic brain syndrome