Electroconvulsive Therapy for Children (ECT)

What is ECT?

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a procedure where brief electrical current is used to stimulate the brain and cause a generalized seizure as part of a treatment plan. The Utah Administrative Code, R523-8-5 opens in a new tab, Psychosurgery and Electroshock Therapy Procedures for Children, Legal Authority, details the process and approval procedure for children, before psychosurgery or electroshock therapy is given.

ECT administrative guideline and forms

The following forms are taken from Rule R523-8-5 opens in a new tab and are to be used for any individual under the age of 18 who are:

• Recommended for ECT treatment and
• Who are committed to the physical custody of a local mental health authority, or
• Committed to the legal custody of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Administrative guideline

• ECT Administrative Guideline opens in a new tab

ECT forms for children

• Consent for ECT
• Request to Treat With ECT
• Notice To Convene A Hearing For Treatment With ECT
• Authorization for ECT
• Request for Second Opinion of Decision To Treat With ECT
• Second Opinion For Decision To Treat With ECT