Neuropsychological Findings in Children and Adolescents Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy: Comparison of Pre-ECT...

To present a comparison of pre-neuropsychological and post-neuropsychological test findings in adolescents (aged 11 to 18 y) who were treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a severe and/or treatment-resistant psychiatric disorder.

Forty-five participants (Nfemale=31; 68.9%) received ECT (mean age ± SD at the time of starting ECT=15.9 ±1.4). Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and standardized neuropsychological assessment were done as part of the clinical protocol.

The most common diagnostic reason for receiving ECT was refractory mood disorder (n=41; 91%). The mean number of ECT treatments in the index course was 20 ±10.8, and the mean number of continuation treatments among 36 participants was 8.5 ± 9.2. The mean interval between the end of ECT and the neuropsychological evaluation was 65.52 days. Analysis showed no statistically significant decline (P >0.08) in intelligence, academic achievement, learning, memory, and executive functioning. Self-ratings of depression measured by the Beck Depression Inventory were reduced at the post-ECT time-point relative to pre-ECT (declined from "severe" to "moderate") (p = 0.019).

Standardized neuropsychological measures did not reveal a significant decline in a range of neurocognitive domains. These findings challenge the notion that adolescents may be more vulnerable to cognitive side effects of ECT. Reduction in self-reported depression symptoms was also found.