Clinical experience using electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescent patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD).


METHODS
All patients diagnosed with SSD who received ECT in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department in a general hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from January, 2003, to December, 2007, were identified retrospectively. As part of the usual evaluation protocol, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales were administered before ECT, after the acute ECT phase (CGI), and at 6 months from baseline. Data related to characteristics of these patients such as demographics, pharmacological treatment, ECT parameters, and side effects were registered.


RESULTS
Thirteen cases, ages 13-17 (mean age, 16.6 +/- 1.2 years), were included. Compared to pre-ECT scores, mean PANSS decreased significantly at 6-month assessment (t = 3.58, p = 0.004). Clinical response (20% or greater reduction in PANSS total scores at the 6-month end point) was achieved in 54% of patients. A significant improvement of mean CGI score was observed after the acute ECT phase (t = 11.88, p < 0.001) and at 6-month assessment (t = 12.48, p < 0.001). There were no severe incidents related to any session during the acute ECT phase, although 1 patient experienced a tardive seizure during the continuation ECT.


CONCLUSIONS
Our clinical experience supports the assertion that ECT is a safe and effective treatment for SSD in adolescent patients.
Baeza
Inmaculada
I
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Hospital Clinic i Universitari, Barcelona, Spain. ibaeza@clinic.ub.es
Flamarique
Itziar
I
Garrido
Juan Miguel
JM
Horga
Guillermo
G
Pons
Alexandre
A
Bernardo
Miguel
M
Morer
Astrid
A
Lázaro
Maria Luisa
ML
Castro-Fornieles
Josefina
J
D000293:Adolescent; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D013030:Spain; D016896:Treatment Outcome