Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a six-year-old girl suffering from major depressive disorder with catatonic features

Objective ECT is generally both effective and safe in the treatment of adolescents, but treatment using ECT in children of pre-pubertal age has been less reported and is a controversial treatment. Clinical picture This article reports a 6-year-old girl who has been diagnosed as having major depressive disorder with catatonic features and 50% loss of weight due to food refusal. Treatment The seven-session ECT treatment with bilateral and brief pulse stimulation was successfully done. Propofol 1% was used for anesthesia. Outcome After the third session, the patient’s clinical improvement began by eating. As the ECT sessions went on the signs of depression and catatonic features completely resolved. There were no noticeable clinical side effects. Conclusion ECT should be considered in severe cases of child psychiatric disorders where it is life threatening, as an effective and safe method.