This article presents the case of an elderly woman experiencing a depressive phase of Bipolar Affective Disorder 1 (BPAD1), who required electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), prior to which her lithium was ceased, and who developed ultra-ultra-rapid cycling (UURC) and ultra-rapid cycling (URC). This resolved with the recommencement of lithium and continuation of ECT.
Method:
Case report and review of the relevant literature.
Results:
The patient’s mood stabilized with recommencement of lithium and continuation of ECT.
Conclusions:
Ceasing lithium prior to ECT may carry a risk of URC or UURC in BPAD1.
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