OBJECTIVE: Information on the indications, technique, and effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescent patients is scarce. The recommendations for the use of ECT in this age group are similar to those in adults. This study compares the experience with ECT in the two age groups in the same community psychiatric institution, which adheres to the accepted protocols for diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: The files of 24 consecutive adolescent patients treated in an ECT unit located in the center of Israel in the years 1991-1995 were retrospectively examined, and the findings were compared with those in 33 adult patients who started their ECT course on the same day. The technique for applying ECT was essentially the same in the two age groups. RESULTS: ECT was equally effective for adolescents and adults (58% in each group achieved remission). The main difference was the diagnosis for which patients were referred: most of the adolescents were in the "psychotic spectrum, whereas most of the adults were in the "affective spectrum." CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the current medical recommendations for the use of ECT in adolescents. Possible explanations for the differences in diagnosis between the two age groups are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: Information on the indications, technique, and effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescent patients is scarce. The recommendations for the use of ECT in this age group are similar to those in adults. This study compares the experience with ECT in the two age groups in the same community psychiatric institution, which adheres to the accepted protocols for diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: The files of 24 consecutive adolescent patients treated in an ECT unit located in the center of Israel in the years 1991-1995 were retrospectively examined, and the findings were compared with those in 33 adult patients who started their ECT course on the same day. The technique for applying ECT was essentially the same in the two age groups. RESULTS: ECT was equally effective for adolescents and adults (58% in each group achieved remission). The main difference was the diagnosis for which patients were referred: most of the adolescents were in the "psychotic spectrum, whereas most of the adults were in the "affective spectrum." CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the current medical recommendations for the use of ECT in adolescents. Possible explanations for the differences in diagnosis between the two age groups are discussed.
Authors: Angele Consoli; Johan Cohen; Nicolas Bodeau; Vincent Guinchat; Lee Wachtel; David Cohen Journal: Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2012-08-25 Impact factor: 4.785
Authors: Nádia Nr Lima; Vânia B Nascimento; Jorge Ac Peixoto; Marcial M Moreira; Modesto Lr Neto; José C Almeida; Carlos Ac Vasconcelos; Saulo A Teixeira; Jucier G Júnior; Francisco Tc Junior; Diego Dm Guimarães; Aline Q Brasil; Jesus S Cartaxo; Marco Akerman; Alberto Oa Reis Journal: Ann Gen Psychiatry Date: 2013-05-30 Impact factor: 3.455