Practice parameter for use of electroconvulsive therapy with adolescents

Therapeutic Potential of MDMA- and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Adolescent Depression and Trauma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is a mental health crisis affecting youth, and the utility of existing treatments is often limited by lack of effectiveness and tolerability. The aim of this review is to report on outcomes of clinical trials for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for adults with depression and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and discuss recommendations for exploring these treatments in adolescent populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been encouraging data supporting the use of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression, including previously treatment-resistant symptoms. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is showing similar promise in treating PTSD, with excellent response and remission rates that appear durable. However, no studies have looked at the use of these treatments in younger patients. The safety and efficacy of psychedelic- and MDMA-assisted psychotherapies should be investigated in adolescents, especially considering the burden of untreated and undertreated psychiatric illness in youth, and the benefits of a potentially earlier, more effective, and more tolerable recovery process. Research and implementation should be tailored to the needs of this population, and equity and access should be considered at every stage. In this novel and rapidly evolving landscape, the psychiatric community is encouraged to advocate for safe, appropriate, and inclusive inquiry into, and application and scaling of these treatment models in adolescent patients.

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy on an Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. The authors discuss brief history of this procedure, legal and ethical considerations, common indications and contraindications, appropriate referrals, details of the procedure, and adverse effects in this population. ECT is mainly used for treatment of treatment-resistant mood disorder/psychosis and catatonia although it has been effectively used for other conditions including neuroleptic malignant syndrome, refractory self-injurious behavior. A careful consideration of patient's medical and psychiatric history is important before considering ECT. Informed consent should involve patient and parents and patient's assent is crucial before initiating the procedure.

Electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents in Europe-a systematic review of the literature complemented by expert information and guideline recommendations

The first documented pediatric use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) occurred in Europe in 1941. Since then, predominantly successful treatments and reasonable side effects have been reported in severely ill minors. Nevertheless, a shy reluctance determines the controversy about ECT in young patients. This study describes the use of ECT in children and adolescents in Europe. We systematically searched the literature concerning the practice of ECT in minors in all 53 European countries. In addition, we surveyed European experts about national practices and compared guidelines for ECT in minors. The search yielded 79 publications from 18 European countries, mainly from Western Europe, Israel, and Turkey. National data were available from eight countries. These showed an interestingly high relationship between the number of minors treated with ECT and the general use of ECT. No persistent deficits or deaths were reported. On the other hand, no randomized clinical trial was found, and many publications lacked relevant information. Accordingly, the appraisal of the evidence in the guidelines varies considerably. Experts from 13 European countries consistently reported infrequent and unsystematic use of ECT in minors. ECT has been used successfully in minors in Europe with reasonable complications and side effects. Adverse effects on the developing brain, as often suspected, have not been scientifically supported in eight decades. Nevertheless, the use of ECT in Europe is sparse and dependent on accidental circumstances. High-quality evidence is needed, as well as improved knowledge and training of child and adolescent psychiatrists.

A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review on the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents and Young Adults With Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Depression

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder and bipolar depression in adolescents and young adults are prevalent and major contributors to the global burden of disease, whereas effective interventions are limited. Available evidence is insufficient to assess effectiveness and tolerability of electroconvulsive therapy in depressed adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression who underwent electroconvulsive therapy from 2001 to 2021 in 12 centers in the Netherlands. Patients were classified as young (15-25 years) and older adults (26-80 years). Primary outcome was effectiveness, expressed as response (≥50% reduction in rating scale score compared with baseline) and remission. Rating scale scores were cross-sectionally assessed at baseline and at the end of the index course. Outcomes of remitters were included in responders. Secondary outcome was occurrence of subjective cognitive impairment and adverse events. Long-term outcomes were not available.

RESULTS

In the young (n = 57) and older adult (n = 41) group, 40.4% and 56.1% ( P = 0.153) of patients achieved response and 28.1% and 39.0% ( P = 0.281) remission, respectively. Subjective cognitive impairment (80.5% vs 56.3%; P = 0.001) and transient cardiac arrhythmia (14.6% vs 2.8%; P = 0.020) were reported significantly more frequently in the older adult group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significantly more comorbidity of personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety disorders, effectiveness in the young was similar to the older adults. Tolerability was even superior in the young, despite significantly more bilateral treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy could be considered a viable treatment option in depressed adolescents and young adults.

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents With Catatonia-A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly efficacious in catatonia yet remains underutilized in pediatric patients. Practice guidelines recommend bilateral placement in cases with urgent need for response such as catatonia. Because of significantly lower cognitive burden and efficacy (compared to bilateral), right unilateral placement (RUL) is preferred for major depression. Increasing literature shows RUL is effective for catatonia in adults, but its use in catatonic youth is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study are to describe naturalistic outcomes of ECT in pediatric patients with catatonia and to discuss ECT parameter considerations.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of patients under 18-years of age at Saint Louis Children's Hospital with diagnosis of catatonia who received ECT from 2019 to November 2023. All cases received ECT per clinical protocol. Catatonic symptoms were monitored using the Busch Francis Catatonia Scale. Institutional review board approved the study.

RESULTS

Twelve inpatients with debilitating catatonia and a failed benzodiazepine trial underwent ECT. Ten of these 12 patients initiated RUL placement, one received bifrontal, and another bilateral. All patients achieved resolution of catatonia: 6 patients with RUL alone and 4 who started with RUL later switched to bilateral due to nonresponse. The patient receiving bifrontal switched to bilateral due to nonresponse. Patients with malignant catatonia preferentially responded to bilateral placement. Patients experienced expected side effects from ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

RUL ECT was effective for catatonia in pediatric patients and can be considered as initial placement. A switch to bilateral can be considered in nonresponse, similar to current approach for major depression. For malignant catatonia, bilateral placement remains preferential.

The efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in adolescent major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation: A propensity score-matched, retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

More evidence is needed to validate the use of ECT in adolescent depression. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to conventional medication therapy for adolescents with major depression with suicidal ideation.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed inpatient records from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University spanning December 2016 to June 2021. We focused on adolescents diagnosed with severe depression presenting with suicidal tendencies. To equalize baseline differences between patients, we used the one-to-one propensity score matching to match patients who received ECT treatment with those who did not. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized to adjust for potential confounders, and subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

Of the 626 patients in this study, 474 underwent ECT treatment while 152 received medication treatment, all aged between 10 and 18 years. Once matched, each group contained 143 patients. The ECT group demonstrated a significantly higher response rate and greater reductions in both Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores (all P < 0.001). Additionally, the ECT group was more effective in reducing suicidal ideation, with fewer individuals retaining such ideation at discharge. In the multivariable regression analysis, both ECT treatment and shorter disease duration were independently linked to enhanced antidepressant efficacy. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses verified the robustness of the main study effect.

CONCLUSIONS

For adolescents with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation, combining ECT with pharmacotherapy is more effective than pharmacotherapy alone before medications reach full effect.

Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression

There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are clinically approved for that age (i.e., fluoxetine or escitalopram) take weeks to work. In this context, one of the main research lines of our group is to characterize at the preclinical level novel approaches for rapid-acting antidepressants for adolescence. The present review summarizes the potential use in adolescence of non-pharmacological options, such as neuromodulators (electroconvulsive therapy and other innovative types of brain stimulation), as well as pharmacological options, including consciousness-altering drugs (mainly ketamine but also classical psychedelics) and cannabinoids (i.e., cannabidiol), with promising fast-acting responses. Following a brief analytical explanation of adolescent depression, we present a general introduction for each therapeutical approach together with the clinical evidence supporting its potential beneficial use in adolescence (mainly extrapolated from prior successful examples for adults), to then report recent and/or ongoing preclinical studies that will aid in improving the inclusion of these therapies in the clinic, by considering potential sex-, age-, and dose-related differences, and/or other factors that might affect efficacy or long-term safety. Finally, we conclude the review by providing future avenues to maximize treatment response, including the need for more clinical studies and the importance of designing and/or testing novel treatment options that are safe and fast-acting for adolescent depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy for adolescents with severe depressive episode and suicidality: retrospective comparison between responders and non-responders

BACKGROUND

For adolescents with major depression who exhibit suicidal tendencies, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is increasingly adopted in clinical practice. Yet, the precise mechanisms behind its effectiveness remain elusive, and studies on factors that influence treatment outcomes are scarce.

METHODS

In this retrospective comparative study, we included all adolescent severe depressive episode patients with suicidal tendencies admitted to the Psychiatry Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2017 and 2021 and received ECT treatment. By collecting data on personal history, medical history, and standard treatment features, we established demographic, disease, medication, and ECT treatment factors variables. Patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups based on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale scores, and differences between outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with ineffectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 494 adolescent severe depressive episode patients with suicidal behavior who received ECT were included in this study. According to CGI-I scores, the treatment was effective in 361 patients (73.1%) and ineffective in 133 patients (26.9%). Logistic regression analyses showed that 8 to 12 and 12 to 16 ECT sessions reduced the risk of ineffectiveness compared to fewer than 4 sessions. The risk of ineffectiveness decreased with age and increased with comorbidity with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Compared to sertraline, escitalopram was associated with a heightened risk of futility, whereas olanzapine and aripiprazole demonstrated a reduced risk when contrasted with quetiapine.

CONCLUSIONS

ECT's ineffectiveness in treating adolescent severe depressive episode with suicidal behavior decreases with age, and comorbidity with OCD significantly increases the risk of treatment failure. Fewer than 8 ECT sessions may hinder achieving satisfactory results.

Electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents: results from a population‑based study utilising the Swedish National Quality Register

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective and safe for adults with severe depression, but less studied in adolescents. Here, we examined the indications, prevalence, practice, response and remission rates, and side effects in young people treated with ECT in Sweden. We also examined the usage of ECT in the transition to adult psychiatry. Using data from national patient registers and the Swedish National Quality Register for ECT (Q-ECT), we identified patients aged up to 19 years treated with ECT over a 5-year study period. Response and remission rates were analysed using the Clinical Global Impression (7-point scale)-Improvement (CGI-I) and Severity (CGI-S). A total of 118 individuals were identified, of which 105 were also enrolled in the Q-ECT. The most common indication for ECT was depression (68%; n = 80). Adolescents aged < 18 years were more severely ill before treatment than those aged 18 years (P < 0.01). Three of the hospitals in Sweden treated the majority of adolescents < 18 years old. The median number of sessions in each ECT series was seven. Unilateral placement of the electrodes was the most common (88%; n = 99). Fifty-seven percent (n = 54) of the patients responded (CGI-I, 1-2) to the treatment; remission (CGI-S, 1-2) was achieved by 32% (n = 30). Psychotic symptoms were associated with a higher response rate in patients with depression (P = 0.038). A deterioration of memory compared to pre-treatment was reported in six patients. ECT was associated with high response and remission rates in adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders after non-response to medication.

Youth Suicide in India: A Critical Review and Implication for the National Suicide Prevention Policy

Youth suicide is a significant public health problem in Low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), including India. It is a distinct phenomenon with various bio-psycho-social determinants. Despite this, comprehensive literature on this topic is lacking from India. Thus, the current paper aimed to review the available literature on youth-suicide from India and other LMIC, discusses the contentious issues, including potential solutions for the possible roadblocks, and provides recommendations for the national suicide-prevention policy and strategy (NSPPS) in the Indian context. We found that the magnitude of youth suicide in India is substantial with the distinct bio-psycho-social determinants. Although, youth-specific suicide prevention and therapeutic intervention do exist; its feasibility and effectivity in the Indian context are yet to be established. The is an urgent need for the NSPPS; experiences from other LMIC should be incorporated while framing such policies. More research is required from India in this area.

Response rate and safety of antidepressants combined with electroconvulsive therapy in adolescent depression: Real-world clinical application

BACKGROUND

METHODS: This study included 210 depression patients receiving antidepressants and ECT. The symptoms of depression were examined with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) at baseline and the end of treatment. Response and safety were compared among adolescent and adult patients.

RESULTS

For adolescents, the response rate (much improved or very much improved) was 80.9 %, and CGI-Severity (CGI-S), HAMD, and suicide factor scores were significantly changed as compared to baseline (P < 0.001), results of which were similar to the adult group. There were no significant differences in HAMD, CGI scores between adolescent and adult depression before or after treatment (P > 0.05). Notably, adolescents expressed stronger suicidal intent than adults, and ECT observably relieved it. Side effects (memory problems, headache, nausea/vomiting, muscle soreness) in adolescents were not statistically different from those in adults (P > 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

As data were derived from a single center, the generalizability of results may be limited, and the potential factors affecting the efficacy of ECT were not further explored.

CONCLUSION

Antidepressants combined with ECT are associated with high response rate and safety for treating depression, regardless of age. A stronger expression of suicide ideation was observed in depressed adolescents, and side effects of ECT were similar to the adults.

Electroconvulsive therapy or clozapine for adolescents with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: an explorative analysis on symptom dimensions

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to compare pre-intervention patient characteristics and post-intervention outcomes in a naturalistic sample of adolescent inpatients with treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms who received either electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or clozapine.

METHODS

Data of adolescents with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder receiving ECT or clozapine were retrospectively collected from two tertiary-care psychiatry-teaching university hospitals. Subscale scores of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) factors were calculated according to the five-factor solution. Baseline demographics, illness characteristics, and post-intervention outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between patients receiving ECT (n = 13) and clozapine (n = 66) in terms of age, sex, and the duration of hospital stay. The ECT group more commonly had higher overall illness and aggression severity. Smoking was less frequent in the clozapine group. Baseline resistance/excitement symptom severity was significantly higher in the ECT group, while positive, negative, affect, disorganisation, and total symptom scores were not. Both interventions provided a significant reduction in PANSS scores with large effect sizes.

CONCLUSION

Both ECT and clozapine yielded high effectiveness rates in adolescents with treatment-resistant schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Youth receiving ECT were generally more activated than those who received clozapine.

Factors Associated With Utilization of Electroconvulsive Therapy During Psychiatric Hospitalization Among Children and Adolescents in China

PURPOSE

Based on a nationally representative sample in China, we examined the demographic and clinical correlates of utilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in child and adolescent (C/A) patients younger than 18 years during psychiatric hospitalization.

METHODS

As part of a national survey, 41 provincial tertiary psychiatric hospitals in mainland China were selected. Data from 196 C/A patients who were discharged from these psychiatric hospitals from March 19 to 31, 2019, were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) The overall rate of ECT among C/A patients during psychiatric hospitalization was 15.6% (n = 30). (2) Between ECT and non-ECT groups, significant differences were found in sex, age, length of stay, Global Assessment of Functioning at admission, treatment outcome, and self-injurious behavior during hospitalization, and the ratio of marked improvement on discharge. (3) Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ECT use was independently and positively associated with an older age, male sex, lower Global Assessment of Functioning, and self-injurious behavior during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of ECT use was relatively frequent in C/A patients during psychiatric hospitalization in our nationally representative sample in China. Developing more specific and operational criteria for the use of ECT for C/A patients is needed to provide guidance for the optimal use of ECT in this patient population.

Treatment-resistant depression in children and adolescents

Major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents is a significant health problem, causing profound impairments in social, academic, and family functioning and substantial morbidity and mortality. Up to 15% of children and adolescents suffer from MDD, and a proportion, around 30 to 40% of them, failed to respond to initial selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. The only evidence-based recommendation is medication switching to another SSRI and augmentation with cognitive behavioral therapy. Newly developing treatment, including ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation, psychotherapy other than cognitive behavioral therapy, and combined pharmacotherapy with other interventions, requires further longitudinal controlled trials regarding efficacy and safety in this vulnerable population.

Evaluation of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents With Major Depressive and Bipolar Disorders: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide an evaluation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in hospitalized adolescents with major depressive and bipolar disorders by examining its treatment outcomes as well as comparing it with outcomes of hospitalized patients, treated as usual (TAU).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study based on medical records documented between April 2011 and December 2017 from Beijing An Ding Hospital. Patients were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision . The study included 288 inpatients, with 2 groups of 171 patients treated by ECT and 117 TAU. The primary outcome was measured using the severity subscale of Clinical Global Impression. Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, and linear regression with mixed models were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Symptom severity reduced significantly for both groups ( β = -0.62, t975.93 = -20.54, P < 0.001). The TAU group was associated with lower score on the severity subscale of Clinical Global Impression ( β = 0.28, t980.32 = 8.36, P < 0.001). The ECT group had a higher remission rate (28.65%) than the TAU group (16.24%), but the time required for remission was longer ( U [ NECT = 49, NTAU = 19] = 615, z = 2.10, P = 0.04). Adverse events of ECT were barely observed.

CONCLUSION

Electroconvulsive therapy is an efficacious and safe treatment for adolescents. However, as the superiority in efficacy was not evident in ECT group, its prescription should be prudently considered for younger patients who respond well to other treatments.

Predicting Responses to Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents with Treatment-Refractory Depression Based on Resting-State fMRI

OBJECTS

The efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of adolescents with treatment-refractory depression is still unsatisfactory, and the individual differences are large. It is not clear which factors are related to the treatment effect. Resting-state fMRI may be a good tool to predict the clinical efficacy of this treatment, and it is helpful to identify the most suitable population for this treatment.

METHODS

Forty treatment-refractory depression adolescents were treated by ECT and evaluated using HAMD and BSSI scores before and after treatment, and were then divided into a treatment response group and a non-treatment group according to the reduction rate of the HAMD scale. We extracted the ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, and functional connectivity of patients as predicted features after a two-sample t-test and LASSO to establish and evaluate a prediction model of ECT in adolescents with treatment-refractory depression.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients achieved a clinical response; symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation were significantly improved after treatment with ECT, which was reflected in a significant decrease in the scores of HAMD and BSSI (p < 0.001). The efficacy was predicted by ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, and whole-brain-based functional connectivity. We found that models built on a subset of features of ALFF in the left insula, fALFF in the left superior parietal gyrus, right superior parietal gyrus, and right angular, and functional connectivity between the left superior frontal gyrus, dorsolateral-right paracentral lobule, right middle frontal gyrus, orbital part-left cuneus, right olfactory cortex-left hippocampus, left insula-left thalamus, and left anterior cingulate gyrus-right hippocampus to have the best predictive performance (AUC > 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The local brain function in the insula, superior parietal gyrus, and angular gyrus as well as characteristic changes in the functional connectivity of cortical-limbic circuits may serve as potential markers for efficacy judgment of ECT and help to provide optimized individual treatment strategies for adolescents with depression and suicidal ideation in the early stages of treatment.

A retrospective case series of electroconvulsive therapy in the management of depression and suicidal symptoms in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal symptoms is common in adolescents. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective in the treatment of MDD. We have described its use and outcome in a case series of adolescents with depression and suicidal symptoms receiving ECT.

METHODS

We analyzed 362 adolescents aged from 12 to 17 who had received ECT between year 2015 and 2021. A total of 278 subjects were found to meet the inclusion criteria, where depressive symptoms were assessed by HDRS and suicidal symptoms were assessed by HDRS item 3. Their sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment information were retrieved through these records for this study.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age of subjects was 15.41 ± 1.50 years and male sex was 14.7% (n = 41). Comorbid diagnoses were present in 104 patients (37.4%). The ECT sessions ranged from 6 to 12 times. All the patients took antidepressants, with sertraline (n = 182; 65.5%) being the most widely used. Majority of patients also received benzodiazepines. ECT was significantly effective in adolescents with depression and suicidal symptoms in evaluation by HDRS, HDRS item 3, CGI-S (p &lt; .001) pre/post-ECT. The response rate of MDD patients was 52%, with suicidal ideation (SI) at 49%, and 54% in MDD with suicide attempt (SA). The change of CGI-S scores showed no significant differences between various subgroups of sex and comorbid (p&gt;.05), but there were significant differences between subgroups of suicidal symptoms (p &lt; .001). ECT was generally safe with subjective memory complaint (n = 189, 68.0%), headache (n = 150, 54.0%), body pain (n = 28, 10.1%), delirium (n = 95, 34.2%), and nausea (n = 31, 11.2%) as possible side effects following ECT.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ECT was found to decrease depressive and suicidal symptoms in adolescents, and the side effect was acceptable. ECT showed better outcome for MDD with SA compared to MDD with SI.

Altered Regional Homogeneity and Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations Induced by Electroconvulsive Therapy for Adolescents with Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) causing brain function changes in adolescents who suffered from depression and suicidal ideation (SI). A total of 30 patients (MDDs) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) matched by gender, age, and education level were enrolled. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to compare differences between HCs and MDDs at baseline, and differences in ALFF and ReHo pre/post ECT in MDDs. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between altered brain function and clinical symptoms. At baseline, MDDs showed decreased ALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus and right amygdala, decreased ReHo in left inferior temporal gyrus, and increased ReHo in the right inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part and left middle occipital gyrus. After ECT, MDDs showed increased ALFF in the right middle occipital gyrus, decreased ALFF in left temporal pole, left inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part, and right frontal middle gyrus, increased ReHo in the right middle occipital gyrus, and left inferior temporal gyrus. Pearson correlation found HAMD scores at baseline were negatively correlated with ALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus, and HAMD and BSSI scores after ECT were negatively correlated with ALFF in the right middle occipital gyrus. The abnormal activities of amygdala, inferior temporal gyrus and middle occipital gyrus might be related to depressive and suicidal symptoms in adolescents.

Crossing State Lines: Ethical and Clinical Considerations in Treating a Child With Catatonia

Catatonia is a complex constellation of symptoms presenting with abnormalities in movement and behavior and arises from multiple medical, neurologic, and psychiatric conditions. In recent years, there has been a call to move catatonia from a classifier to a diagnosis of its own in the DSM-5.^1,2 Catatonia is often underdiagnosed in the hospital and carries with it substantial morbidity and mortality.³ Malignant catatonia, characterized by autonomic instability, hyperactivity, mutism, and stuporous exhaustion, is a medical emergency requiring intensive care.⁴ Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative, as untreated malignant catatonia may be fatal in up to 10% to 20% of cases, sometimes only days from onset.⁵ The combination of lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for catatonia in both adults and children, although the body of literature pertaining to children remains limited.^6,7 In addition, there are multiple case reports of improvement in catatonia with ECT regardless of etiology.⁸ However, laws in some US states prohibit ECT's use despite evidence of its effectiveness and safety in children and adolescents.⁹ Here, we describe a case presentation that was both prolonged and complicated by state laws pertaining to the use of ECT in children and adolescents.

A comparison of the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of ECT and ketamine for treatment-resistant depression

INTRODUCTION

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a problematic and prevalent public health and societal concern. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the gold standard TRD intervention, the treatment evokes apprehension due to public perceptions, feasibility, and tolerability. Despite significant medical advancements, few medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for TRD. In 2019, intranasal esketamine, the S-isomer of racemic ketamine, was approved for TRD, garnering significant excitement about the potential for the drug to act as an alternative treatment to ECT.

AREAS COVERED

The goal of this narrative review is to compare the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of ketamine and ECT; clarify whether ketamine is a reasonable alternative to ECT; and to facilitate improved treatment assignment for TRD. Empirical quantitative and qualitative studies and national and international guidelines these treatments are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

: The field awaits the results of two ongoing large comparative effectiveness trials of ECT and IV ketamine for TRD, which should help guide clinicians and patients as to the relative risk and benefit of these interventions. Over the next five years we anticipate further innovations in neuromodulation and in drug development which broadly aim to develop more tolerable versions of ECT and ketamine, respectively.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in children and adolescents: Systematic review of case reports

INTRODUCTION

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal drug adverse reaction. There are still few studies of this entity in the child-adolescent population.

OBJECTIVES

Describe the clinical, laboratory and therapeutic characteristics of children and adolescent patients with NMS. Analyse the grouping of symptoms present in NMS in the same population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A MEDLINE/PubMed search of all reported cases of NMS from January 2000 to November 2018 was performed and demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic variables were identified. A factorial analysis of the symptoms was performed.

RESULTS

57 patients (42 males and 15 females) were included, (mean age 13.65 ± 3.89 years). The onset of NMS occurred at 11.25 ± 20.27 days with typical antipsychotics and at 13.69 ± 22.43 days with atypical antipsychotics. The most common symptoms were muscle stiffness (84.2%), autonomic instability (84.2%) and fever (78.9). The most common laboratory findings were CPK elevation and leucocytosis (42.1%). The most used treatment was benzodiazepines (28.1%). In the exploratory factorial analysis of the symptoms we found 3 factors: 1) "Catatonic" with mutism (0.912), negativism (0.825) and waxy flexibility (0.522); 2) "Extrapyramidal" with altered gait (0.860), involuntary abnormal movements (0.605), muscle stiffness (0.534) and sialorrhoea (0.430); and 3) "Autonomic instability" with fever (0.798), impaired consciousness (0.795) and autonomic instability (0.387).

CONCLUSIONS

NMS in children and adolescents could be of 3 types: catatonic, extrapyramidal and autonomic unstable.

The Efficacy and Cognitive Effects of Acute Course Electroconvulsive Therapy Are Equal in Adolescents, Transitional Age Youth, and Young Adults

Objective: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective acute treatment for depression, but its use in younger patients is rare and heavily regulated in many U.S. states. It is unclear whether age modifies treatment response or tolerability in adolescents, transitional age youth, and young adults. We examined the effects of ECT on depression and cognition in patients aged 16-30 years. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 16-30 years receiving ECT between 2011 and 2020 who were evaluated with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale-24 (BASIS-24), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline and following treatment #10. Results: Among the 424 patients who met the inclusion criteria, ECT was associated with a decrease in depression symptoms (ΔQIDS -6.7; Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test; χ² = 293.37; df = 2; p < 0.0001) and improvement in overall self-reported mental health status (ΔBASIS-24 - 0.70; Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test; χ² = 258.5; df = 2; p < 0.0001) during the first 10 treatments, with a slight reduction in cognition as measured by the MoCA (ΔMoCA -1.1; Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test; χ² = 33.7; df = 1; p < 0.0001). Age was not a significant predictor of QIDS, BASIS-24, or MoCA changes. Conclusions: Among 424 patients aged 16-30 years receiving acute course ECT, age was not a significant predictor of improvement in depression, change in overall self-reported mental health status, or change in cognition. These results support the utility of ECT in the treatment of adolescents and young adults.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Current Literature and Guidelines

ABSTRACT

There is a lack of studies regarding the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in children and adolescents. In this study, we aimed to assess benefits and harms of ECT in children and adolescents with major psychiatric diseases. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed articles written in English regarding the use of ECT as treatment for major psychiatric diseases in children and adolescents. This study consists of 192 articles, mostly case studies (n = 50), reviews and overview articles (n = 52), and retrospective studies (n = 30). We present an overview of evidence for ECT in children and adolescents with mood disorders, catatonia, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, self-injurious behavior, and other indications. This article is also a summary of international guidelines regarding the use of ECT in children and adolescents. We evaluated the overall quality of evidence by using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations and found the overall level of evidence to be of low quality. There are no absolute contra indications for ECT in children and adolescents. Fears regarding cognitive dysfunction have not been reproduced in studies. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered in severe, treatment-resistant mood disorders, catatonia, and schizophrenia, especially in older adolescents. High-quality studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of ECT, especially in these potentially life-threatening diseases.

Trends for Electroconvulsive Therapy Utilization in Children and Adolescents in the United States From 2002 to 2017: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is controversial in children and adolescents (C/A). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate baseline characteristics of C/A in the utilization of ECT compared with the non-ECT group with the same primary indication. The secondary objective was to assess the trends in ECT utilization over 16 years and explore the predictors of length of stay.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from the years 2002 to 2017, we identified patients (age ≤18 years) undergoing ECT in the United States using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System codes and compared with non-ECT C/A patients with the same primary diagnosis. Baseline clinical characteristics were assessed using descriptive analysis methods. Multilevel regression analysis and trend analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Children and adolescent patients (n = 159,158) receiving (ECT: n = 1870) were more likely to be men (43.3% vs 36.7%) and of White race (58% vs 49%) (P < 0.001). The hospital stay was longer (19 days vs 6 days, P < 0.001) for the ECT group than controls. ECT receiving C/A patients were more likely to have private insurance (72% vs 42%, P < 0.001). African American patients undergoing ECT treatment increased in number over the course of years (2002 to 2017), whereas the privately insured C/A patients receiving ECT decreased over the same period (P < 0.001). There was an upward trend in ECT utilization for small bed size hospitals (P < 0.001). Length of stay for C/A receiving ECT was longer for males (P < 0.001) and patients with nonprivate insurance (p: 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy is not optimally used in C/A; therefore, formulated treatment guidelines are required.

The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents in the Czech Republic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in child and adolescent patients in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

We conducted a mail questionnaire survey among Czech facilities associated with the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and university hospitals with inpatient psychiatric wards, focused on the practice of ECT between 2013 and 2017 in patients younger than 18 years.

RESULTS

Of 18 approached facilities, 13 had access to ECT, and only 6 used ECT on 16 patients. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia or related disorders (68.75% of patients), and the most common reason for ECT was catatonic symptoms (37.5%). The most common ECT methodology was bitemporal electrode placement with brief-pulse current (62.5%). In 2 patients, ECT was terminated because of ineffectiveness and in 1 patient because of adverse reaction. In other patients, ECT ended after achieving a clinical effect. The most common adverse effect was transient memory impairment in a quarter of the patients. The number of pharmacological treatment attempts before ECT significantly correlated with hospitalization length.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of ECT among children and adolescents was low. It was usually used in severe conditions after several pharmacological treatment attempts, which may indicate reluctance among providers to use this modality. A number of pharmacological attempts were associated with longer hospitalizations. In the majority of patients, ECT was effective and safe. On the other hand, the monitoring of cognitive adverse effects was insufficient and could be improved.

The Safety and Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Major Depression Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Major depression is a chronic debilitating condition affecting people of all ages and is rising over the past decade. Major depression among children and adolescents is often resistant to traditional treatments, thus necessitating the exploration of novel strategies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is gaining increasing attention as a useful tool in treating various conditions and has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder among adults. Favorable outcomes among adults generated interest in using it among children. Until recently, the existing literature lacked randomized sham-controlled trials on this topic among children and adolescents. The newest additions in the literature necessitated another in-depth look at the data to explore the safety and efficacy of rTMS in the context of depression among children and adolescents. We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases and included 18 articles for our systematic review. Our systematic review indicates level 1 evidence that rTMS is safe but failed to show its superiority to placebo as a stand-alone treatment for resistant depression among children and adolescents. However, there is level 2 evidence favoring add-on rTMS to treat major depression among children and adolescents. The study subjects appear to tolerate the rTMS treatment well with some minor and mostly self-limited side effects. Risks of treatment-emergent hypomanic symptoms and seizure appear to be very low. There is no evidence of worsening of suicidal ideation or cognitive decline during rTMS treatment.

[Use of electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents - A retrospective survey on 12- to 17-year-old patients at three university hospitals in Germany]

Use of electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents - A retrospective survey on 12- to 17-year-old patients at three university hospitals in Germany Abstract. Abstract. Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective and well-researched therapy in adult psychiatry and has been successfully used especially as a treatment for severe depressive, catatonic, and psychotic disorders. Although severe disease progressions also occur in child and adolescent psychiatry, ECT is used much less frequently there. This may be because hardly any data have been collected on the use, effectiveness, and tolerability of ECT in child and adolescent psychiatric patients. This article outlines the application, effectiveness, and tolerability of ECT when applied to young adolescents in Germany. Methods: A retrospective survey on ECT in 29 patients under 18 years of age was conducted at three German university centers. All documented cases were recorded and evaluated for effectiveness and tolerability. In addition, a comprehensive PubMed-based database search was carried out. Results and conclusions: Internationally, there are no meta-analyses or randomized controlled studies and hardly any published cases on electroconvulsive therapy in German child and adolescent psychiatry. Our data on ECT show high efficacy in previously treatment-resistant and severely ill patients. Side effects occurred rarely. There was no evidence of differences between adults and adolescents in indication (depression, catatonia, schizophrenia), effectiveness, tolerability, and negative predictors of response to ECT. The results also suggest that the use of ECT in adolescents should be considered earlier in the treatment course.

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of adolescents aged up to 19 years who had received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was carried out to identify adolescents aged up to 19 years who had received ECT during the period 2012-2018. Details regarding their sociodemographic and clinical variables and ECT data were extracted from the records.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 51 adolescents received ECT, and complete records of 50 patients were available for analysis. 4.04% (51 out of 1260) of the patients who received ECT were aged up to 19 years. There was a decreasing trend of use of ECT over the years. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (42%), and this was followed by bipolar disorder (22%) and unipolar depression (20%). The mean number of ECTs administered per patient was 8.84 (SD: 5.34; range: 1-21). On the various rating scales, the percentage improvement in patients with psychotic disorders was 77.4%. For patients with depression, the percentage improvement was 77.2%, and that for mania was 80.3%. The percentage improvement in organic catatonia was 64.6%. The number of patients achieving ≥50% response ranged from 87.5% to 100%, and when the response was defined as ≥75% improvement, the proportion of patients varied from 50% to 76.9%. The majority of patients with depression (72.7%) and mania (77.8%) achieved remission. Immediate complications associated with the use of ECT included acute blood pressure changes (18%).

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Autism

The mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not fully elucidated, with prevailing theories ranging from neuroendocrinological to neuroplasticity effects of ECT or epileptiform brain plasticity. Youth with autism can present with catatonia. ECT is a treatment that can safely and rapidly resolve catatonia in autism and should be considered promptly. The literature available for ECT use in youth with autism is consistently growing. Under-recognition of the catatonic syndrome and delayed diagnosis and implementation of the anticatatonic treatment paradigms, including ECT, as well as stigma and lack of knowledge of ECT remain clinical stumbling blocks.

Electroconvulsive therapy in an adolescent patient with catatonia: a case report

Catatonia is characterized by motor and behavioral symptoms and can arise in a wide variety of medical and psychiatric conditions. We describe the case of a 16-year-old female with a history of anxiety and depression who presented with prominent symptoms of negativism, initially diagnosed as conversion disorder. She failed to respond to increasing doses of benzodiazepines; after over six weeks of hospitalization, she received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), resulting in significant remission of symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of catatonia in adolescent patients, as well as the safety and efficacy of ECT in this population.Abbreviations: AACAP: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; BPAD: Bipolar affective disorder; DSM-IV: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition; DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition; ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy; NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate.

ECT in an Adolescent With Schizophrenia and Seizures: Case Report

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been recognized as an effective treatment option in catatonia, and for prolonged or severe affective episodes and schizophrenia. Response rates vary from 40 to 80% in adolescents. The procedure is safe if the required precautions are undertaken. Nonetheless, ECT remains a serious clinical challenge in patients with comorbid seizures. We present a case study of a 17-year-old female student suffering from schizophrenia who was scheduled for ECT due to prior treatment inefficacy. Seizures had occurred a few days before the first ECT session. Nevertheless, the patient received the ECT course, combined with clozapine at 125 mg/day, after neurological diagnosis and treatment modification because the illness became life-threatening. The patient's clinical outcome was satisfactory without any seriously adverse events and further improvements were observed in the mental state following long-term psychosocial treatment at our inpatient unit. A few months later, epilepsy was however diagnosed with probably coexistence of partial seizures and seizure-like events without EEG correlate. Administering ECT in patients with seizure comorbidity was also investigated based on previous research. Data on this is, however, extremely scarce and to the best of our knowledge, the safety and efficacy of using ECT in adolescents with schizophrenia and seizures has yet not to any great extent been discussed in the literature.

Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy Is an Essential Medical Treatment for Patients With Catatonia: A COVID-19 Related Experience

Aim: Describe naturalistic clinical course over 14 weeks in a mixed adolescent and a young-adult patient group diagnosed with developmental delays and catatonia, when the frequency of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT) was reduced secondary to 2020 COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Methods: Participants were diagnosed with catatonia, and were receiving care in a specialized clinic. They (n = 9), F = 5, and M = 4, ranged in age from 16 to 21 years; ECT frequency was reduced at end of March 2020 due to institutional restrictions. Two parents/caregivers elected to discontinue ECT due to concern for COVID-19 transmission. Majority (n = 8) were developmentally delayed with some degree of intellectual disability (ID). Observable symptoms were rated on a three point scale during virtual visits. Results: All cases experienced clinically significant decline. Worsening of motor symptoms (agitation, aggression, slowness, repetitive self-injury, stereotypies, speech deficits) emerged within the first 3 weeks, persisted over the 14 week observation period and were more frequent than neurovegetative symptoms (appetite, incontinence, sleep). Four participants deteriorated requiring rehospitalization, and 2 among these 4 needed a gastrostomy feeding tube. Conclusion: Moderate and severe symptoms became apparent in all 9 cases during the observation period; medication adjustments were ineffective; resuming M-ECT at each participant's baseline schedule, usually by week 7, resulted in progressive improvement in some cases but the improvement was insufficient to prevent re-hospitalization in 4 cases. In summary, rapid deterioration was noted when M-ECT was acutely reduced in the setting of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Developing Consensus in the Assessment and Treatment Pathways for Autoimmune Encephalitis in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Children with a diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) frequently require multi-disciplinary care in order to mobilize the assessment and treatment necessary for recovery. Institutional and provider practice differences often influence the diagnostic workup and treatment pathways made available to patients. There are a variety of provider coalitions in pediatric rheumatology, internal medicine, and neurology that have been making meaningful progress toward the development of consensus in assessment and treatment approaches to patient care. However, child psychiatry is currently underrepresented in this work in spite of the high psychiatric symptom burden seen in some young patients. The need for consensus is often made visible only with inter-institutional dialogue regarding patient care trajectories. We aim to review key updates in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autoimmune encephalitis during the acute phase, with or without catatonia, and to outline provider perspectives by comparing current treatment models in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Demographics of Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy Based on State-Mandated Reporting Data

OBJECTIVES

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment of depression and other psychiatric conditions. There are few comprehensive data on how many patients receive ECT in the United States or about the demographics of ECT recipients. This study characterizes the demographics of those receiving ECT and how these demographics may have changed with time.

METHODS

Freedom of information requests for all data from record keeping inception to January 2019 were sent to the Department of Health or equivalent agency of states that mandate reporting of ECT. Information on demographics and the number of treating facilities was extracted.

RESULTS

Data on 62,602 patients receiving treatment in 3 states (California, Illinois, Vermont) were obtained. Overall, 62.3% were women. Fewer than 1% of patients treated were younger than 18 years, whereas 30.3% were 65 years or older. White patients received a disproportionate proportion of treatments, with all other races underrepresented. The total number of facilities offering ECT in the 3 states declined over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Recipients of ECT are more likely to be female, more likely to be elderly, and more likely to be white than the average person in their state.

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Autism

The mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not fully elucidated, with prevailing theories ranging from neuroendocrinological to neuroplasticity effects of ECT or epileptiform brain plasticity. Youth with autism can present with catatonia. ECT is a treatment that can safely and rapidly resolve catatonia in autism and should be considered promptly. The literature available for ECT use in youth with autism is consistently growing. Under-recognition of the catatonic syndrome and delayed diagnosis and implementation of the anticatatonic treatment paradigms, including ECT, as well as stigma and lack of knowledge of ECT remain clinical stumbling blocks.

Predictors for Extending Hospitalization Stay in Electroconvulsive Therapy Recipients With Bipolar Disorder, Manic Episodes

Objectives

We aim to discern the demographic predictors that may extend the hospitalization length of stay (LOS) for patients with bipolar disorder (BD), manic episodes managed with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and to study the impact of insurance and hospital characteristics on LOS.

Methods

We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS, 2012-2014) from the United States hospitals and included 2,785 adult inpatients (mean age 51.3 ± 16.2 years) with a primary diagnosis of BD, manic episode, and managed with ECT. The median LOS of the sample population is 16 days, and the study inpatients were divided into subgroups: ≤16 days versus >16 days. The logistic regression model was used to find the odds ratio (OR) for the associations of demographic and hospital variables with inpatient stay >16 days versus ≤16 days.

Results

BD inpatients managed with ECT during their hospitalization had a mean LOS of 21.6 ± 22.1 days. About 48.65% (N = 1355) had LOS >16 days. Older adults (age >50 years) have 2.4 times higher odds (95% CI 2.06-2.87) for hospital LOS >16 days compared to younger adults. Although a higher proportion of females received ECT (71.8%), males had two times higher odds (95% CI 1.59-2.27) for hospital LOS >16 days. BD inpatients covered by private insurance/self-pay were at 1.5 times higher odds (95% CI 1.27-1.77) for hospital LOS >16 days. In terms of hospital setting, ownership type and teaching status are significant predictors with inpatients managed in public and teaching hospitals at higher odds for LOS >16 days.

Conclusions

Older men and inpatients covered by private insurance/self-pay have a higher likelihood of extended hospitalization stay during ECT management of BD, manic episodes. The LOS is also influenced by hospital setting with patients managed in public teaching hospitals at higher odds of longer LOS compared to their counterparts.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Indications and Special Considerations

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-tolerated, well-established, and efficacious treatment in adults, particularly in the setting of severe mood and psychotic disorders. In children and adolescents, however, ECT is infrequently administered and likely underutilized. Results from older studies evaluating the utility of ECT in children and adolescents were mixed, but recent studies have supported ECT treatment success in these patients, with particularly high response rates for treating depression. In this Perspectives, we discuss the current clinical indications for ECT in managing mood and psychotic disorders in children and adolescents. We then review the pretreatment evaluation and management of patients receiving ECT and examine the efficacy of ECT for those indications. We also address issues unique to children and adolescents, versus adults, that need to be considered when determining whether treatment with ECT is appropriate for a patient in this age group. Included in this context are the distinct side-effect profile in children and adolescents, ethical issues regarding informed consent, incorporating the child into the decision-making process when developmentally appropriate, and the need to take into account differing state jurisdictional processes.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Mood Disorders During Adolescence: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objective: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-recognized treatment of refractory mood disorders in adults. However, relatively little is known about its use for similar conditions in adolescents. Based on a chart review, we describe its use and outcome in a sample of adolescents with severe, refractory mood disorders (unipolar or bipolar disorder) hospitalized in an academic medical center. Methods: The sample was drawn from referrals to an adolescent psychiatry service. After obtaining approval from the ethics board, medical records of 54 adolescents with refractory mood disorder were examined. Participants (males 24, females 30; mean age 15.8 ± 1.5 years) had received their first course of ECT before the age of 18 years during the period 1996-2010. Response to treatment was examined after the initial treatment and during a 1-year follow-up. Results: Following the index course of ECT (mean number of treatments = 13.7 ± 6.3), a 52.8% response rate (defined as a Clinical Global Impressions [CGI] score ≤2) was noted, while 15.1% achieved remission (CGI = 1). The response rate was 82.4% after a 1-year follow-up with a remission rate of 23.5%. The Children's Depression Rating scores declined significantly from pre-ECT to the end of the index course (70.7 ± 16.4 to 52.5 ± 18; p ≤ 0.00). A reduction in suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors along with increased school attendance was noted. Cognition, monitored by the Mini-Mental State Examination, did not decline significantly. Minor side effects were limited to the day of the treatment. Prolonged seizures (>2 minutes) were common during ECT (74% of subjects experienced one or more). The only side effect noted at the 1-year follow-up was self-reported memory loss involving events during and around the index treatment course. Conclusions: In this severely impaired sample of adolescents, ECT was found to decrease suicidal behavior, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve overall functioning, as indexed by school attendance at follow-up after 1 year. Prospective studies using large samples are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety in refractory mood disorders in adolescents.

Efficacy and Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents: A Retrospective Chart Review Study From Turkey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in manic, depressed, psychotic, and catatonic adolescent patients.

METHODS

Medical records of 78 adolescents who had received ECT in Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, during 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. Sixty-two subjects in this sample were identified to have complete records and met the study inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age of subjects was 17.11 ± 1.04 years and female sex was 53.2% (n = 33). Primary the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnoses were bipolar mood disorders (n = 33, 53.2%), major depressive disorder (n = 16, 25.8%), schizophrenia (n = 8, 12.9%), and schizoaffective disorders (n = 5, 8.1%). Electroconvulsive therapy was significantly effective in treating manic, depressive, psychotic, and catatonia symptoms as evidenced by significant differences in pretreatment and posttreatment scores in outcome measures including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (P < 0.001). Presence of comorbidity adversely affected treatment response (P = 0.001). However, ECT was also effective in those with comorbid diagnoses (P < 0.001). Depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar depression responded better than those with unipolar depression (P = 0.012). Electroconvulsive therapy was generally safe with subjective memory complaints (85%), headache (69%), and prolonged seizure (8%) as the reported adverse effects possibly related to ECT. Four subjects (6%) developed a manic switch during ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective and a safe treatment option in adolescent patients with severe and resistant psychopathology. Although comorbidity may decrease treatment response, ECT seems to be effective even in the presence of multiple psychiatric diagnoses.

Knowledge and attitudes of adolescents with psychiatric disorders and their caregivers towards electroconvulsive therapy in China

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders. This study examined the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders and their caregivers towards ECT in China.

METHODS

A total of 158 participants, including 79 adolescents who received ECT and their caregivers (n = 79), were enrolled in this study. Their knowledge and experiences about and attitudes towards ECT were evaluated with self-administered data collection forms.

RESULTS

Only around half of patients and caregivers reported that they received sufficient information about the process, the therapeutic and side effects, and the risks of ECT, although most believed that ECT is beneficial, and around half believed that ECT is safe. Around one third of patients and caregivers reported that only critically ill patients should receive ECT. More than half of patients experienced side effects, such as memory impairment, headache and short-term confusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Sufficient information about ECT should be provided to adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders and their caregivers prior to treatment, with particular focus on the treatment process and possible side effects.

Electroconvulsive therapy in an adolescent with bipolar disorder, substance use, and body dysmorphic disorder comorbidity: case report

Our case report is on the use of electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) in an adolescent with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and comorbid Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). In our case, ECT was not considered at the first stage, but we encountered medication noncompliance and treatment resistance. Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder completely disappeared after ECT, which is consistent with the literature. ECT is a treatment with a low side effect profile in treatment-resistant cases. In addition, it will be useful to increase the knowledge and experience of clinicians on ECT and to provide conditions for ECT in child and adolescent psychiatric clinics.

A retrospective case series of electroconvulsive therapy in the management of comorbid depression and anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in anorexia nervosa (AN), associated with worse outcome and greater suicide risk. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective in the treatment of MDD refractory to antidepressive treatment. We describe a case series of female adolescents with AN receiving ECT for MDD resistant to treatment and/or with severe suicide risk.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed the files of all 30 adolescent females hospitalized in our department because of AN between 1998 and 2017 and treated with ECT. Severity of eating disorder (ED) and depressive symptoms was retrospectively assessed using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale.

RESULTS

Patients were severely depressed and suicidal on admission. All were resistant to antidepressants. A significant deterioration in depression, with severe suicidality, occurred from admission to pre-ECT, with concomitant improvement in ED symptoms and increase in body mass index (BMI). Significant improvement in depressive and ED symptoms and increase in BMI occurred following ECT, continuing to discharge. Adverse effects were mostly minimal. Fifty-three percentage of the patients were rehospitalized within the first year after ECT, mostly because of deterioration of depression and attempted suicide. Several years after discharge, 46.6% of the patients had no evidence of depression, suicidality, and ED-symptomatology, and another 23% had only evidence of ED symptomatology.

DISCUSSION

ECT is safe and well tolerated in AN with severe comorbid treatment resistant MDD and/or with increased suicide risk. Many AN patients undergoing ECT may be remitted at long-term follow-up.