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Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Treatment Dilemmas: ECT for Depressed Teens

Oct 28, 2024
David Rosenberg, a leading expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, sheds light on the controversial use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating severe depression in teens. He discusses a significant study revealing that ECT can achieve over 70% success rates, highlighting its potential as a last resort for treatment-resistant cases. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment and the impact of factors like age and co-existing disorders on ECT outcomes. It's a thought-provoking conversation on navigating critical mental health dilemmas.
10:46

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Quick takeaways

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a viable treatment option for adolescents with severe depression, showing over 70% positive response rates when standard treatments fail.
  • Patient-specific factors, including age, comorbid conditions, and concurrent medications, significantly influence the effectiveness and outcomes of ECT in treating adolescent depression.

Deep dives

ECT as a Treatment Option for Adolescents

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) presents a viable treatment option for adolescents suffering from severe depression and suicidality, especially when standard medications and therapies fail. Evidence suggests that more than 70% of adolescents in this demographic respond positively to ECT, with increased effectiveness noted when at least 8 to 12 sessions are administered. Age also plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes, with older adolescents showing a better response to ECT compared to younger counterparts. Understanding these factors is essential for clinicians when considering ECT for resistant cases, particularly in light of the limited FDA-approved antidepressants available for this age group.

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