USE OF ELECTROCONVULSIVE-THERAPY IN ADOLESCENTS

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used in adolescent psychiatric prac tice, yet few studies have been conducted to assess its use for 13-19- year-olds. Efficacy, indications, side effects, technical characterist ics, and outcome are uncertain. We retrospectively reviewed the medica l records of 21 adolescents treated with bilateral ECT in our departme nt from 1984 through 1995. In our series, ECT was effective in treatin g both manic and depressive episodes, with a high rate of relapse at 1 year follow-up (similar to 40%). Clinical improvement was only partia l in schizophrenia and schizoaffective episodes. Seizure threshold was associated with gender, but not with the cumulative number of treatme nts. Adverse effects were frequent, but were usually transient with on ly moderate discomfort, even in patients with concomitant medical prob lems. We conclude that ECT is a safe and effective treatment for adole scents with severe and intractable mental illness, and it has the same indications and effects as in adults.