Electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents: Experience, knowledge, and attitudes of recipients

Objective: To ascertain the experience, knowledge, and attitudes regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of persons who received the treatment in ad olescence. Method: A 53-item survey was administered by telephone to person s who received ECT before the age of 19 years in the Australian state of Ne w South Wales between 1990 and 1998. Results: Twenty-six patients were inte rviewed. Experiences and opinions about ECT were generally positive. Fifty percent stated ECT had been helpful. Approximately three quarters believed their illness was worse than either ECT or pharmacotherapy. Frequencies of recalled side effects with ECT and medication were similar. Some patients p erceived deficiencies in the consent process. A slight majority had attempt ed to conceal the history of ECT treatment. The vast majority considered EC T a legitimate treatment and, if medically indicated, would have ECT again and would recommend it to others. Conclusions: The findings are consistent with and complement evidence showing ECT to be an effective and safe treatm ent for seriously ill adolescents. The mostly favorable experiences and att itudes reported by interviewees will be reassuring to adolescent patients, their families, and treating health professionals when ECT is being conside red.