IS ELECTROCONVULSIVE-THERAPY UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment option for adults with affective disorders has a long history. ECT with children and adolesce nts, however, has not been widely used, and no empirical studies or co ntrolled evaluations have been conducted. A review of the literature o n ECT with miners reveals that it has an unknown mechanism of action, with a domain of applicability diminished yearly by legislation, litig ation, and a wide range of intervention alternatives.