Can electrical interventions be helpful in treating mood disorders in patients diagnosed with personality disorders? Case report and literature review.

Abstract

Introduction: The main indication for electrical interventions remains mood disorders. Depressive disorders have high comorbidity, which is one factor in poorer remission and higher suicide risk. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a variety of psychopathology, in particular the presence of mood swings, impulsive behaviour, and difficulties in maintaining stable interpersonal relationships. An extremely serious clinical problem is the occurrence of episodes of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in these patients. Comorbidity in affective disorders increases the risk of suicide and also reduces the likelihood of achieving symptomatic remission.

Material and methods. A case report of a patient with a major depressive episode and suicidal tendencies with coexisting borderline personality disorder who received electrical treatments with good results is presented and literature from the last 10 years is reviewed using the keywords: borderline personality disorder, depression, electroconvulsive therapy, suicide.

Results. The results of several studies indicate that electrical treatments are partially effective in patients suffering from depressive disorders and borderline personality disorder.

Conclusions. The case of the patient described, as well as data from the literature, suggest that further research is needed into the use of electrical interventions in patients with mood disorders and comorbidity, and their use may be considered in them as a potentially good therapeutic method. The use of ECT in a patient with comorbid personality disorder reflects an individualized treatment approach; however, there is a need for further research in this area, especially in the context of long-term treatment effects.