Electroconvulsive Therapy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Authors: Croarkin, Paul E.; McCaffrey, Peter; McClintock, Shawn M.; Rodez, Charlena; Husain, Mustafa M.

Source: Current Psychiatry Reviews, Volume 5, Number 4, November 2009 , pp. 298-305(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

The efficacy and safety of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adults is well-supported by a history of robust research and clinical experience. There is less information regarding the application of this therapeutic modality for the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. However, available data suggest that ECT is a safe and effective intervention for severe mood disorders, psychosis, and catatonia in this population. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) have published professional guidelines for the practice of ECT in this age group. Unfortunately, child and adolescent psychiatrists typically have little training or knowledge in the practice of ECT. The authors review the historical use and current practice of this modality in minors. Further research and clinical experience is imperative in this area of child and adolescent psychiatric therapeutics.

Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); child and adolescent psychiatry; depression; psychosis; catatonia

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2009-11-01

More about this publication?

Current Psychiatry Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on clinical psychiatry and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, epidemiology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all clinicians, psychiatrists and researchers in psychiatry.