Teenager surrounded by light, family in the background

ECT for Teens: Hope or Harm? A Parent's Guide to Understanding the Treatment

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the Complexities of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Adolescents: Insights from Parents' Experiences"

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that often evokes strong reactions, especially when the discussion involves children and adolescents. It's a procedure where electrical currents are passed through the brain to trigger a brief seizure, aiming to relieve symptoms of certain mental illnesses. Given the intensity and the historical stigma, ECT is typically considered when other treatments have not provided relief.

Globally, the use of ECT in young individuals is infrequent. Data from developed countries such as the United States and Turkey indicate that only a small fraction of all ECT administrations are for those under 18. However, in some parts of Asia, the percentage is notably higher, prompting a closer look at the circumstances and outcomes.

To provide clarity, a recent study explored the experiences of parents whose adolescents underwent ECT for severe mental illnesses. This qualitative research sheds light on parental perspectives, satisfaction levels, and the decision-making process surrounding this controversial treatment.

When Is ECT Considered for Adolescents?

Teenager surrounded by light, family in the background

According to the study, ECT was usually considered after other treatments, such as medication and therapy, had failed to provide adequate relief. Parents often described their children's conditions as "bad" or "very bad" before ECT, noting symptoms like aggression, self-abuse, and an inability to manage daily life. These adolescents had typically undergone multiple medication changes and consultations with various professionals, underscoring the severity and treatment resistance of their conditions.

Many parents initially felt scared at the suggestion of ECT. The unknown and the potential risks associated with ECT can be daunting. It's crucial that medical professionals provide thorough explanations, addressing concerns about safety and long-term effects. Open communication helps parents make informed decisions, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of trust.

Open Communication: Discuss all concerns and questions with the treatment team.
Seek Support: Connect with other families who have experience with ECT.
Understand the Process: Educate yourself about what ECT involves, including potential side effects and benefits.

The study revealed that parents did not feel coerced into agreeing to ECT. Healthcare providers emphasized informed consent, providing detailed information about the procedure and allowing ample opportunity for questions. This emphasis on autonomy is vital, ensuring that parents feel empowered to make choices aligned with their values and their child's best interests.

Making Informed Decisions About ECT

The study suggests that ECT, when administered thoughtfully and with informed consent, can be a valuable option for adolescents with severe mental illness. Parents generally reported satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation, detailed communication, and respecting parental autonomy in treatment decisions.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and why is it used?

Electroconvulsive Therapy, or ECT, is a treatment that involves passing electrical currents through the brain to induce a brief seizure. The goal of ECT is to relieve the symptoms of certain severe mental illnesses when other treatments haven't been effective. ECT's importance lies in its potential to provide relief for individuals who haven't responded to other interventions, such as medication and therapy. However, it is usually considered when other treatments have failed. The implications of ECT include the need for careful evaluation, informed consent, and open communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, especially given its intensity and historical stigma.

Under what circumstances would ECT be considered for an adolescent?

ECT is considered for adolescents when they are experiencing severe mental health conditions that have not responded to other treatments like medication and therapy. These conditions often involve symptoms such as aggression, self-abuse, and an inability to manage daily life. The importance of considering ECT in these situations is to provide a potential avenue for relief and improved quality of life when other options have been exhausted. The implications of using ECT at this stage include a thorough assessment of the adolescent's condition, a careful discussion of the potential risks and benefits, and informed consent from parents or guardians.

How do parents typically feel when ECT is suggested for their child, and what support do they need?

Before agreeing to ECT, parents often experience feelings of fear and uncertainty due to the unknown and potential risks associated with the treatment. It's crucial for medical professionals to provide thorough explanations, address safety concerns, and discuss potential long-term effects. Open communication, seeking support from other families who have experience with ECT, and understanding the process are essential for parents to make informed decisions. The importance of informed decision-making lies in empowering parents to feel confident and in control of their child's treatment, reducing anxiety and fostering trust in the healthcare team.

How is informed consent obtained for ECT, and why is it so important?

Informed consent is obtained for ECT by ensuring that healthcare providers offer detailed information about the procedure, allowing ample opportunity for questions. Parents should feel that they are making a choice aligned with their values and their child's best interests. The implications of this process are that parents are empowered to make choices, it ensures ethical practice, and aligns with respecting parental autonomy in treatment decisions. If informed consent is missing, it would undermine the ethical and legal foundations of medical treatment.

What does the study suggest about the effectiveness and value of ECT for adolescents with severe mental illness?

The study suggests that ECT can be a valuable option for adolescents with severe mental illness, especially when administered thoughtfully and with informed consent. Parents reported satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation, detailed communication, and respecting parental autonomy in treatment decisions. It underscores the need for a comprehensive and individualized approach to mental health treatment, where ECT is considered as part of a broader strategy involving medication, therapy, and supportive care. The implications of these findings are that ECT should not be viewed as a first-line treatment but rather as a potential option when other interventions have proven ineffective.