Treatment of catatonia with electroconvulsive therapy in an 11-year-old girl

Objective: To report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with acute onset of psychotic symptoms with catatonic features treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Method: Described herein is the case of an 11-year-old, prepubertal girl who presented with catatonic symptoms unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. After thorough clinical investigation and obtaining a second opinion we gained consent from her parents to perform ECT as a life saving procedure. Results: Six ECT treatments were administered with clinical improvement; the patient did develop hypomanic symptoms as a side-effect of ECT. Conclusion: The patient exhibited potentially life-threatening self-harming behaviour secondary to catatonic and psychotic symptoms. Her behaviour and symptoms responded to ECT. The patient developed hypomania that responded to mood stabilization. ECT was a safe and effective treatment for catatonia in this prepubescent girl.