Objective To explore the efficacy and side effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in the treatment of catatonic schizophrenia. Methods A total of 81 patients with catatonic schizophrenia were randomly divided into study group with MECT and control group with risperidone for treatment of 4 weeks. They were assessed and analysed contrastively using Brief Psychiatrc Rating Scale (BPRS) , Nurses Observation Scale (NOSIE) and Treatment Emergent Side Effect Scale (TESS) . Results In the 1st weekend, the total and factor scores of BPRS and NOSIE in study group were significantly lower than before treatment(P0.05) and there was no difference in control group(P0.05). In the 4th weekend, there were significant improvement of BPRS and NOSIE both in study group and control group(P0.05). But the total and factors scores of BPRS and NOSIE had significant differences between study group and control group(P0.05). No severe side effects was found in study group. Conclusion MECT is effective for treating patients with catatonic schizophrenia without severe side effects.