Moderate clinical improvement with maintenance ECT in a 17-year-old boy with intractable catatonic schizophrenia

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009 Apr;18(4):250-4. doi: 10.1007/s00787-008-0724-6. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

The use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents is controversial, and few studies have been conducted to assess its efficacy and safety in this population. We report the case of a 19-year-old boy who received two series of ECT, one at 15 and another at 16, for intractable catatonic schizophrenia. Since the age of 17, he has required treatment combining clozapine and maintenance ECT. The course showed a sustained moderate improvement. The treatment permitted the patient to regain some autonomy with moderate adverse effects. ECT remains an uncommon treatment in adolescents, and the current case supports the view that it should not be banned in young people.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anesthetics, Intravenous / administration & dosage
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Propofol / administration & dosage
  • Schizophrenia, Catatonic / complications
  • Schizophrenia, Catatonic / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia, Catatonic / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Intravenous
  • Propofol