Resolution of catatonia by successful seizure induction via electroconvulsive therapy with electrodes applied bilaterally to the parietotemporal region

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be effective in cases of medically intractable mood disorder and schizophrenia. However, some patients receiving ECT have only a short electroencephalographic seizure or no seizure at the maximum stimulus intensity and thus fail to obtain a therapeutic effect. A new treatment option is needed to induce therapeutic seizures in such patients. We report a case of catatonic schizophrenia that was resolved by successful seizure induction by means of ECT with electrodes applied bilaterally to the parietotemporal region after bifrontotemporal ECT failed to induce adequate seizure. We note that parietotemporal ECT can induce therapeutic seizures in patients with a high seizure threshold because more current penetrates the brain due to a decrease in shunted current.