Clinical Experience Using Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescent patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Methods: All patients diagnosed with SSD who received ECT in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department in a general hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from January, 2003, to December, 2007, were identified retrospectively. As part of the usual evaluation protocol, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales were administered before ECT, after the acute ECT phase (CGI), and at 6 months from baseline. Data related to characteristics of these patients such as demographics, pharmacological treatment, ECT parameters, and side effects were registered. Results: Thirteen cases, ages 13–17 (mean age, 16.6 ± 1.2years), were included. Compared to pre-ECT scores, mean PANSS decreased significantly at 6-month assessment (t = 3.58, p = 0.004). Clinical response (...