Pharmacotherapy combined with other treatment methods

Summary This paper attempts to review reports on combinations of drugs and other modalities. The following tentative impressions appear warranted: 1. Combined ECT and drugs: Anti-depressants may maintain post-ECT improvement in mood, but no decided advantage obtains from its use during a course of ECT treatment. Combination of reserpine and ECT may be dangerous. Phenothiazines may have beneficial effects as a tranquilizer, but synergism with ECT remains doubtful. 2. Combined occupational therapy and drugs: Apparently drugs make it possible for many inaccessible patients to participate meaningfully in social interaction and to learn new skills. 3. Combined psychotherapy and drugs: Various drugs are alleged to hasten or facilitate individual psychotherapy; however, where anxiety is reduced it is also reported that patients stop working in psychotherapy and become complacent. Individualization and special attention to drug dosage may optimize usefulness of drugs in this context. In group therapy, tranquilizers appear to facilitate interaction and enhance the group process.