Retrospective Audit of ECTs in Adolescent Patients in  a Tertiary Hospital

Shivanshu Shrivastava; Sagar Karia; Avinash De Sousa; Nilesh Shah; Sushma Sonavane

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Retrospective Audit of ECTs in Adolescent Patients in a Tertiary Hospital

Shivanshu Shrivastava, Sagar Karia, Avinash De Sousa, Nilesh Shah, Sushma Sonavane

Abstract :

Background: Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is used in large number of indications in adult populations, but there is lack of data for use of ECTs as a treatment modality in adolescent age group. Objective: Given the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders in adolescent age group, we decided to carry out a retrospective audit of ECTs given in this age group in last one year in a tertiary hospital. Methods: The ECT records of last one year of adolescent patients (age group of 10 – 19 years) were studied and the sociodemographic data, indications, number of ECTs given, anesthetic agents used and side effects were recorded. The data was then pooled, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In our audit, we found that ECTs were given to 64 adolescents in last one year. 72% patients suffered from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, 14% patients had mood disorders, 7.8% patients had mental retardation. There were no side effects noted. Conclusions: Thus ECT is a useful and safe treatment modality in adolescent age group patients.