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 adolescents, however, has not been widely used, and no empirical studies or controlled evaluations have been conducted. A review of the literature on ECT with minors reveals that it has an unknown mechanism of action, with a domain of applicability diminished yearly by legislation, litigation, and a wide range of intervention alternatives.
Baldwin
S
S
Department of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Bunbury, Western Australia.
Jones
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy*