Abstract

Substance use Disorder (SUD) is a common disorder in the United States and is frequently comorbid with depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for depression. However, literature offers an unclear picture of whether patients with comorbid SUD are less likely to receive, or benefit from, ECT. Limited data exists regarding alcohol use disorder in ECT, while the impact of other types of SUD in ECT patients remains mostly unexplored. In this article, we review the current literature base for SUD in ECT patients and present a case where ECT was used successfully in a patient with bipolar affective disorder, current episode depressed, as well as co-morbid alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, in sustained remission on medication assisted therapy. Further research into ECT utilization patterns and response rates for patients with opioid use disorder is indicated.

Keywords: Medication assisted therapy; Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT); Opioid use disorder; Substance use disorder; Bipolar disorder; Depression