Electroconvulsive therapy
 

So aside from me being re-admitted into hospital (crisis team is coming to see me tonight about when), they also want to give me ECT... Which is terrifying.. All I've seen about it is what's on one flew over the cuckoos nest :P

So what I'm asking is has anyone had it, what was it like, any long term effects, did it work etc?

I haven't had it, but I know of a few people who have, and my step-grandpa had it.

It helped. It seemed to really help them - it took a while, and it wasn't overly pleasant the whole time, but it's nowhere near as bad as it looks in OFOTCN - bear in mind that was the 70s, and technology and awareness has moved on significantly since then.

It is only used in extreme cases - but you're closely watched in the meantime, so that nothing bad will happen.

Take care of yourself, and let us know how it goes.
xxx

It's nothing like the film, when I was first offered it I also thought of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, panicked and refused.

Then I met some people who actually had it and eventually agreed to it.

They give you a general anaesthetic, then a few minutes later you wake up. First few times after I had a cracking headache and my memory was a bit wonky for short term stuff.

It didn't do a huge amount for me but I have seen it do wonders for other people.

It gets a bad press, cos historically it was pretty barbaric, but it's really not that bad

I've had it, it's not bad. It's a lot safer now, and they fully educate you on what they will be doing.

I had it several years ago, unfortunately I was one of the rare ones that did not benefit from it. I remember having a bad headache for a while after, and feeling off kilter the next day, but nothing compared to what the movies showed. Doctor made determination that it was not working for me.

I have had ECT and echo what everyone else has said really. It is given humanely and safely and you should be fully informed of the whole procedure before signing the consent form. ECT brought me out of a very servere depression and although I experienced some short term memory loss, on balance it was worth it.

Thnaks for your replies everyone, makes me a little bit more open to the idea, generally seems to be quite successful so I'll have to think about a bit more when it actually comes to it. In the hospital now, so presumably when the doctor sees me on monday it'll be discussed.. I'll let you all know howit goes..

My Granny had it not long ago and although I dont know the details I know that it made her a lot better! Hope everything goes well. Try not to worry yourself, Im sure they wont do anything that they dont think will help!