Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry

A conceptual summary of recent trends in the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant behavioral problems associated with developmental disorders was provided in the previous review, and this review offers information needed for clinical practice. As it is essentially impossible to obtain evidence-based data in this regard, we have attempted to present a review of practical issues related to the implementation of ECT, such as the public perception by the media, and ethical issues where the target population may include children and adolescents. In addition, we described the assessment tools required for the symptom identification to be treated and the evaluation of symptom changes in response to treatment, which are necessary for determining whether ECT is valid even in treatment-resistant conditions. In order to complement the direct clinical experience of ECT practitioners needed to assess the appropriateness of the currently administered treatment, case reports from other countries were introduced to illustrate the ECT course in each case. To this end, the issues related to the practical process of safe and effective ECT have been summarized in relatively specific detail.

Keywords Developmental disorder; Self-injurious behavior; Catatonia; Intellectual disabilities; Autism spectrum disorder; Electroconvulsive therapy.