Electroconvulsive therapy for minors: Experiences and attitudes of child psychiatrists and psychologists

Objective. To estimate knowledge, experience, and attitudes towards the use of electroconvulsive treatment in miners (patients < 18 years of age), amo ng child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists. Method: 1,600 ques tionnaires were mailed to a group of child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists. Result: There were 625 (39%) respondents. 329 (53.8%) of th e respondents stated that they possessed minimal knowledge about the use of ECT in children and adolescents. Lack of confidence in providing a second opinion was common and reported by 75%. Compared with those with minimal kn owledge. respondents with advanced knowledge reported a higher perception o f safety and efficacy. The majority (70%) of the respondents regarded ECT a s a treatment of last resort. Conclusion: Many child and adolescent psychia trists and psychologists have very little knowledge, training, or experienc e in this treatment. They seem to be ill equipped to appropriately consider or advise patients and families about ECT. Clinical and research implicati ons of these findings are discussed.