Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Adolescents
When an adolescent struggles with severe depression or another mood disorder that does not improve with medication or psychotherapy, families and clinicians may consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an option. Though often misunderstood, ECT is a safe, effective, and evidence-based procedure that has helped patients of all ages regain stability and quality of life when other treatments have failed.
What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure performed under general anesthesia. During the ECT procedure, a small amount of controlled electrical current is applied to the scalp to stimulate the brain. This brief stimulation produces a seizure that helps reset certain brain chemical pathways involved in mood regulation.
The procedure is painless and performed under the supervision of a trained psychiatric and medical team. Studies have shown that ECT does not cause structural or compositional changes to the brain, and the level of electricity used is too low to cause any injury.
For adolescents who have not responded to medication or therapy alone, ECT can bring rapid improvement, sometimes within weeks, helping restore hope and daily functioning.
When Is ECT Considered for Teens?
ECT may be recommended for adolescents who experience severe or treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, including:
- Major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Bipolar disorder, especially with psychotic or catatonic features
- Schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia
- Severe mood episodes causing refusal to eat, catatonia, or profound withdrawal
Because adolescents are still developing physically and emotionally, ECT is considered only after other evidence-based interventions have been tried and when the benefits outweigh potential risks.
At Lindner Center of Hope, ECT is administered only after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and family consultation to ensure that it is appropriate for the patient’s individual needs. Learn more about our ECT program.
How the ECT Procedure Works
Before treatment, the adolescent is placed under general anesthesia and given a muscle relaxant. Sensors are attached to monitor brain and heart activity. A brief electrical pulse is then delivered to the scalp to induce a controlled seizure lasting about one minute.
Patients awaken within minutes and are monitored by medical staff until fully alert—typically within 30 to 60 minutes. Treatments are usually given two to three times per week, and a full course may include 6 to 12 sessions, depending on individual response.
Safety and Effectiveness of ECT in Adolescents
ECT has been used safely in both adults and adolescents for decades. Research and clinical experience have shown that it can be a lifesaving treatment for youth experiencing severe mood or psychotic disorders. Adolescents often show significant improvement in mood, concentration, appetite, and sleep after completing treatment.
While every medical procedure carries some risk, ECT has one of the strongest safety records in psychiatry. The overall risk of death or serious medical complication is lower than that of many psychiatric medications.
Possible Side Effects
Electroconvulsive therapy side effects are typically mild and short-term. The most common include:
- Temporary confusion upon awakening
- Headache or mild muscle soreness
- Nausea
- Short-term memory difficulties surrounding the time of treatment
In most cases, these effects resolve within hours or days. Some patients may experience gaps in memory from the weeks around treatment, but this generally improves over time.
What to Expect After Treatment
Many adolescents experience a marked improvement in depressive symptoms following ECT. Some may transition to maintenance therapy, either ongoing ECT sessions at wider intervals or continued medication and psychotherapy to help sustain recovery.
Compassionate, Expert Care
The ECT program at Lindner Center of Hope is led by experienced clinicians using state-of-the-art technology in a compassionate and supportive environment. Families are guided through every step, from initial consultation to post-treatment care, with a focus on safety, comfort, and restoring wellness.
Contact Us
If your adolescent is struggling with a severe mood disorder and other treatments have not been successful, electroconvulsive therapy may offer hope and healing.
Contact us to learn more about the ECT program at Lindner Center of HOPE or to schedule a consultation.
Content reviewed by:
Nelson Rodriguez, MD, DABPN, FAPA, Lead Psychiatrist at Lindner Center of Hope, Rapid Access Service (RAS), Medical Director, Neuromodulation (ECT, TMS, VNS) Service
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati- College of Medicine
