ECT is electroconvulsive therapy, mainly indicated in patients not willing to take oral medication in acute phase of illness, not responsive to 2-3 trials of oral treatment, acute suicidal, refusal to eat and drink for prolonged period, acute agitation, catatonic, harmful to self or others.
Routinely patient with schizophrenia may show positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations or may show negative symptoms like apathy, asociality, Anhedonia, etc. mostly during the maintenance of treatment oral medications are prescribed and ECT is saved for acute phase management.
If response attained only on ECT, it could be considered once a month or every 15 days during maintenance phase.
Next Steps
Consult a psychiatrist and allow them to take a judgment call and explain you the pros and cons of available medication v/s ECT.
Health Tips
Long acting injectable second generation antipsychotic are also available and effective.