[Electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of Parkinson disease].

This review of the literature shows that Parkinson's disease can be considered as an indication of sismotherapy. The therapeutic effects of ECT on the extra-pyramidal syndrome are reviewed whether it is associated with a depression or not. The various biological mechanisms of the antiparkinsonian effect of ECT are discussed ie the increase of the permeability of the brain blood barrier, the action on the dopamin metabolism and the dopamin receptors and the action on the opioid receptors and melatonin. The role of maintenance ECT in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is cleared up. In conclusion, it appears that sismotherapy can be considered as an adjuvant therapy in Parkinson's disease especially when there is a resistance to dopatherapy.