Use of electroconvulsive therapy in young people.
BACKGROUND
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controversial treatment for psychiatric disorders, particularly when it is administered to young people.


OBJECTIVE
To assess how frequently ECT is administered to people under the age of 18 years in the UK, and why it is given.


METHODS
Electroconvulsive therapy clinics, private hospitals, adolescent units and UK members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists were surveyed to ask if they were aware of ECT being administered during 1996 to a young person under the age of 18 years. Consultants identified as having prescribed ECT were sent a follow-up questionnaire.


RESULTS
Twelve young people were identified as having received ECT; three were aged 15 years or younger and eight were female. Nine patients were rated as improved following ECT. The indications for its use were similar to those for adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Electroconvulsive therapy is rarely administered to young people in the UK.
Duffett
R
R
Royal London Hospital, London.
Hill
P
P
Lelliott
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy