Strategies to Facilitate Intravenous Access for Electroconvulsive Therapy Procedures in Pediatric and Neurodivergent Patients: A Case Series.
Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology May 19, 2025 Adrian Cuellar, Michael E Henry, Joshua R Smith et al. 1 citation
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) requires intravenous (IV) access, which can be difficult for pediatric patients and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. This case series of five patients aged 14–27 describes five strategies that helped them tolerate IV placement: oral anxiolytic premedication, planned physical restraint, intramuscular ketamine induction, inhalational sevoflurane anesthesia, and placement of an implanted venous access device. Using these individualized approaches, all patients were able to receive ECT. Consistent treatment protocols, multidisciplinary planning, and engagement of outpatient teams supported success. The findings show that adaptive strategies can improve access to ECT for special needs populations.