Clozapine, ECT, and Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type

Opinions differ regarding the risks and benefits of the concurrent use of antipsychotic medication and ECT. A case example is presented of the safe and effective concurrent use of ECT and the newly available neuroleptic clozapine in a young patient with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The patient's pulse did climb as high as 170-180 beats/min during a few of the seizures. More experience is needed with the combined use of clozapine and ECT.