‘Almost mute teen in need of ECT’

A 16-year-old girl who has become “almost mute” due to depression associated with an eating disorder needs to be treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the High Court heard yesterday.

Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly said he wanted to hear from the girl’s parents and treating consultant as part of an application by the HSE for permission to administer ECT, which involves an electric current being passed through the brain or part of it, under anaesthetic.

The judge noted there may be some controversy around the use of ECT and he may want to ask the consultant questions.