Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective and safe therapeutic method used in therapy of severe psychiatric disorders. However, its use in child and adolescent psychiatry is scarce, usually in severe, pharmacoresistant cases.
ECT in this population is indicated especially in affective disorders and catatonia, to a lesser extent in schizophrenia. Recent literature also describes the possibility of ECT in autistic patients with catatonia or severe self-harming behaviour.
There is no notion about absolute contraindications of ECT in child and adolescent patients in the available literature. The preparation and methodology of ECT are similar as in adult patients.
Unilateral stimulation is reported as the first-line method in some recommendations. On the other side, in most available studies, bitemporal electrode placement with brief-pulse stimulation was used.
Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. They are often connected to general anaesthesia.
Others include memory impairment, prolonged or rare tardive epileptiform paroxysms. Available studies did not report about longterm cognitive impairment after the ECT.
The death as a result of ECT was not described. Further specific and systematic research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of ECT in child and adolescent patients as well as an adequate education of both physicians and nurses.