The efficacy of electro convulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for patients with major depressive disorder who are intolerant of or refractory to an-tidepressant medications is well known. This treatment may be overlooked in children and adolescents, and in those with developmental disabilities. The case report of a 15-year-old male with Down syndrome and treatment-refractory major depressive disorder who received ECT is presented. Four bilateral ECT treatments resulted in a substantial improvement of the patient's depressive symptoms. In this case, ECT was a safe and effective treatment for an adolescent with Down syndrome. Although no generalization can be based on a single case report, when appropriate, ECT should be considered as a treatment for this patient population.
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