ECT?

strawberry11 · 19-08-2011, 08:15 PM

Anyone had ECT? I just went to my doctors appointment with my psychiatrist and he suggested this. I've tried countless medications and my psychologist I've been seeing for CBT for over 2 years. Help. Any guidance is appreciated.

Horizon · 19-08-2011, 08:28 PM

I've had ECT. Only a few sessions though, solely for the reason I hated the sensation of going under anesthesia. I wouldn't do it again, though I can't say whether it worked for me or not because I didn't try long enough. However, I have met a lot of people who have really benefitted from it.

Foxtrot Oscar · 19-08-2011, 09:42 PM

I've had ECT. I had a course, I think it was six or seven sessions and it really turned things around for me. It brought me out of a deep depression and I would consider having it again if it was necessary and I was that unwell. It gave me a quality of life back. It is an intrusive procedure though and like Facet said (sorry I don't know your name) it does involve a general anaesthetic which can be quite daunting in itself. I am a real advocate for ECT under the right circumstances. As a topic it seems to really polarise opinions but I am definitely on the 'for' side.

strawberry11 · 19-08-2011, 11:53 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. My name is Katie by the way just to let you know. I have tried medication after medication and now I just feel so helpless and my doctor is to the point he doesn't even really know what else to try. I'm looking into it now and I'm supposed to be "thinking about it" as he said. I go back to him in a month and I don't know why its a month. I think I call him once a week if not more. We'll see how that goes. My first initial thought was no and that is what I told him, but he told me to think about it. So I am and I'm going to compile my reasons for doing it and for not doing it. If the not doing it reasons out weigh the doing it reasons I will at least be able to be like this is why I decided not to. Unless he can prove those things wrong then I will stick with the no. Right now I have left an open mind kinda sorta. The whole seizure thing scares me even though I know its controlled. Just yea and that some people have had a horrible time with memory afterwards that was not short lived. Also school is coming up and I don't know how that would work with school. I'm not sure how many sessions or if they'd be inpatient or out patient. He kinda stopped answering my questions as I said no. He told me to come back with an answer then we could discuss it. I'm not too sure about this doctor. Unsure about a lot at this point.

Jetforce · 20-08-2011, 09:15 AM

I guess if you have tried all sorts of medications and nothing seems to work, it's a possible last alternative? Im assuming it for severe depression? I know over here, it's requires 2 psychiatrists opinion to allow it to happen. But i've seen people who have had their course of ECT treatment and they are a new person, a very marked change in how they are functioning. But also way up the side effects ECT may cause; short term memory impairment, to be stuck in hospital until the course is finished.....im sure there are others but best to discuss with your psych. Hope that helps a bit.

akita · 20-08-2011, 11:55 AM

I'm on a mood stabiliser and found it has worked the best out of the countless medications I've been on. I also do CBT with my psychologist, does it help you? I would have to think long and hard before having ECT but the mood stabiliser is doing it's job so for right now I'd say no.

strawberry11 · 20-08-2011, 07:32 PM

I have tried countless mood stablizers and anti depressants. I'm still just thinking about it its a lot to take in and yes there is so much more I'd have to ask my doctor about it. I started asking him more questions and he was like well come back with an answer then we can discuss it. I was like what!?!?! Yea I'm not sure. Still lots to think about. Thanks for all the replies.

Horizon · 20-08-2011, 07:39 PM

You don't necessarily have to be inpatient to have ECT. I had mine on an outpatient basis.

inblack · 20-08-2011, 08:28 PM

I don't personally know much about it. But I think you and your doctor need to assess the risks and benefits of ECT and weigh it out.

Its something I would definitely consider, and have considered in the past. I'm just very scared about the whole thing and the possible memory loss.

Buttercup. · 20-08-2011, 11:43 PM

I know a few people who have it outpatient. They wouldn't hospitalize you for that unless you were too dangerous to yourself or others to be in the community.

I've heard good things about it..but honestly, I didn't see it make a difference in either of my friends in the longrun. They say it makes you feel good for a day or two until you get the next, but it doesn't change things. It's not a longterm thing. They are both still in and out of hospitalizations for suicide attempts and oone is living in a group residential home for mentally ill people.

I've been on countless meds too, but have not resorted to this. I'd probably try it, but I honestly don't see it being any miracle therapy. Everybody is different. Just like any med, weigh the benefits and risks :) I hope you find something that helps you!

Horizon · 21-08-2011, 09:16 AM

Well it's not a miracle cure. You generally have a round of sessions then another round in a few months, as it was explained to me.