Electroconvulsive therapy

There are no controlled trials of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for mood disorders in people with developmental disability. However, case reports indicate ECT is effective and safe in this context. Before ECT is considered in a person with developmental disability, careful evaluation of medical comorbidities is important, given the increased frequency of comorbidities in this group.

When ECT is indicated, the person with developmental disability will need to be under the care of a tertiary mental health team and compliance with relevant legislation will be required.

See the Psychotropic guidelines for more information about ECT. For information about assessing capacity and obtaining consent in a person with developmental disability, see Consent, capacity and decision making.