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Use of electroconvulsive therapy in young people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Richard Duffett ,
Peter Hill  and
Paul Lelliott
Richard Duffett*
Affiliation:
The Royal London Hospital St Clements, London
Peter Hill
Affiliation:
Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London
Paul Lelliott
Affiliation:
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit, London
*
Dr Richard Duffett, Eastham Memorial Hospital, Shrewsbury Road, London E7 8QR
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Abstract

Background

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

Aims

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

Method

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.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 228 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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References

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