Electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION: Despite its good results and tolerability in adults, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is barely administered in children and adolescents, with scarce evidence in these patients. OBJECTIVES: We aim to summarize the data available to give a clearer view of how children and adolescents might benefit from ECT. METHODS: We’ve done a bibliographic review in PubMed and Cochrane Library searching for articles that include the terms “electroconvulsive therapy” and “adolescents” and/or “children” and their variations. RESULTS: Current evidence supports the use of ECT in various indications as mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and self-injurious behaviours associated with autism, Tourette’s syndrome or intellectual disability. The efficacy and safety it’s comparable to adults and there are no absolute contraindications. Side-effect profile it’s also similar to the general population, reporting as the most frequent adverse effects headache, generalized body aching, and nausea or vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is an effective and safe treatment for severe mental disorders in children and adolescents. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.