Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents with the Catatonia Syndrome: Efficacy and Ethics

Overview

Journal J ECT

Date 2010 Nov 25

PMID 21099377

Citations 24

Authors

Angele Consoli

Maha Benmiloud

Lee Wachtel

Dirk Dhossche

David Cohen

Olivier Bonnot

Affiliations

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Abstract

Objectives: In child and adolescent psychiatry, catatonia is infrequent, but it is one of the most severe syndromes, characterized by the coexistence of psychic and motor symptoms. In this report, we explore the therapeutic experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents with catatonia.

Methods: We review the literature (1985-2009) to clarify issues related to the use of ECT in child and adolescent patients with catatonia.

Results: Electroconvulsive therapy is used as second-line management after high-dose benzodiazepine trials. Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective, safe, and useful procedure in the treatment of catatonic youngsters as reported in 59 patients. Ethical issues regarding the use of ECT are analyzed and their implications briefly discussed in the light of general medical ethics.

Conclusions: Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective treatment for catatonia in children and adolescents.

Citing Articles

Recommendations for Electro-convulsive Therapy in Minors: Aligning with the Mental Health Care Act 2017.

Sharma E, Khadanga P, Moktan S, Vijaysagar K, Arumugham S, Sinha P Indian J Psychol Med. 2024; :02537176241227742.

PMID: 39564268 PMC: 11572463. DOI: 10.1177/02537176241227742.

Identifying and treating catatonia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A case series.

Nejati N, Etches S J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 33(3):215-222.

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[Electroconvulsive therapy in people with intellectual disability].

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Major challenges in youth psychopathology: treatment-resistant depression. A narrative review.

Menculini G, Cinesi G, Scopetta F, Cardelli M, Caramanico G, Balducci P Front Psychiatry. 2024; 15:1417977.

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Clinical Reasoning: A 17-Year-Old Adolescent Boy With New Altered Mental Status in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Ohman R, Atchison C, Patel N, Killien E Neurology. 2024; 103(3):e209709.

PMID: 38991195 PMC: 11247388. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209709.