Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Ever Used For Treating Depression In Children/Adolescents?

Dr. McDonald answers the question: 'Is Shock Therapy Used In Children?'

By
William McDonald, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, The Emory Clinic
February 28, 2008, 12:05 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) ever used for treating depression in children/adolescents?

Answer: Children and adolescents can be treated with ECT. This would certainly be something you'd want to discuss in detail with your doctor. Our hospital for instance has a separate policy for children and adolescents, which requires that they be seen by an independent child psychiatrist before receiving ECT.

It's true that the response rates in younger adults -- perhaps older adolescents -- is a bit less than it is with older adults. And this may also be a factor to consider when treating a child or an adolescent.

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