Section - Quick Takes

02. Outcomes of Youth Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Published on July 1, 2021 Expired on April 1, 2025

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Nearly all the patients in this study were in mid- to mostly late adolescence, so perhaps one would not expect outcomes too different from adults. However, they were far more ill than the average adult receiving ECT treatment—yet they still responded well by a relatively crude outcome measure.

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In adults, the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, is well established. While its use is still subject to some controversy, efficacy is not the issue. Usual response rates in major depression range from 50% to 90%, with the higher rates for first-line use or shorter duration of illness. But what about use in children and adolescents?

Hi! Jim Phelps here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. ECT use in youth accounts for only 1% of patients receiving ECT. Why is that? This new paper by Matthew Pierson and colleagues offers the following reasons. First, few child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained in ECT. Conversely, few ECT-trained psychiatrists are experienced in treating anyone but adults. Third, a study found that child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists believe that ECT is safer in adults than in children. And finally, some states have laws prohibiting the use of ECT under certain ages. So, what does

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03. Single vs Multiple Daily Dosing Regimens of Psychotropic Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Review treatment outcomes for patients with comorbid major depressive disorder and borderline personality features treated with ECT.
Examine the response rates in 100 youths treated with ECT, taking into account their pre-treatment symptoms and level of function.
Examine the evidence for once-daily dosing, compared to multiple daily dosing, in terms of adverse effects and effectiveness for patients treated with psychotropic medications.
Compare the risk/benefit ratio for oxcarbazepine and atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents.
Consider the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in adolescents with depression and its implications for treatment.

Original Release Date: 07/01/2021

Review and Re-release Date: 03/01/2023

Expiration Date: 04/01/2025

Expert: James Phelps, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

The following planners, faculty, and reviewers have the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Dr. Phelps has disclosed the following relationships:

McGraw-Hill: book on bipolar disorder
W.W. Norton & Co.: books on bipolar disorder

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.