Electroconvulsive therapy is associated with a reduction in self-reported suicidal ideation in adolescents

Suicide is the second most common cause of death of adolescents in the United States [1], and suicidal ideation (SI) is a major risk factor for suicidal behavior [2]. There are, however, no proven pharmacologic treatments for suicidality in youth [3], and effective interventions for SI are badly needed. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for affective disorders, and in adults is associated with a reduction in SI [4]. To assess the generalizability of that adult result to adolescents, this study explores the association between ECT and self-reported SI among adolescents.