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Evidence that the brain keeps developing through early adulthood has led to suggestions that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may act differently in younger than in older patients.
To explore this issue, investigators conducted a retrospective observational study that examined response after the first five ECTs in 190 patients aged 16 to 25 years (mean age, 21; 16 under 18) with major depressive disorder (62%), bipolar disorder (15%), primary psychotic disorders (16%), and a few other diagnoses. Outcome was measured by patient self-evaluation of depression/functioning, interpersonal relationships, psychosis, emotional lability, self-harm, and substance abuse.
Significant improvement was noted in all domains except self-harm and substance abuse…