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Effects of electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents with severe endogenous depression resistant to pharmacotherapy
M Strober1, U Rao, M DeAntonio
1Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Neuropsychiatric Institute & Hospital, School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles 90024-1759, USA.
Background:
This open, prospective study examined the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 10 adolescents with primary, endogenous, psychotic depression who were resistant to antidepressant pharmacotherapy.
Methods:
Change in symptom severity from baseline was assessed weekly with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) ratings, and outcome was measured additionally at 1 month, and again at 1 year, post-ECT.
Results:
All but 1 patient demonstrated dramatic improvement, with statistically significant decreases in mean HDRS score detected after the first week of treatment. All responders maintained the benefits of their treatment.
Conclusions:
The results provide evidence of the clinical effectiveness of ECT in adolescents with phenomenological characteristics shown to be predictive of ECT response in adults.