Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents

doi:10.1017/9781911623175.009

Chapter 9 - Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 June 2019

Rosalind Y K Oliphant ,

Eleanor M Smith and

Aditya N Sharma

Edited by

I. Nicol Ferrier and

Jonathan Waite

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I. Nicol Ferrier: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Jonathan Waite: Affiliation:
University of Nottingham

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Summary

The evidence base for the use of ECT in children and adolescents aged under 18 years (hereafter referred to as ‘paediatric ECT’) consists of individual case reports, case series and retrospective chart reviews, but no Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). This limited evidence base alongside concerns about the effects of ECT on the developing brain may help explain the infrequent use of ECT by child and adolescent psychiatrists. This chapter provides a summary of the issues and considerations pertaining to use of paediatric ECT within the British Isles (United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland). Although legal aspects relating to ECT are covered in Chapter 28, some reference specific to paediatric use is made here.

Type: Chapter
Information: The ECT Handbook , pp. 67 - 73

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623175.009 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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