Venting What do you know about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

[KillingPain267]

My doctor will refer me to a psychiatric unit after I tried some medications that failed. I've read that such units can offer ECT for severe depression. So I want to be prepared if they offer it. So far it sounds like some medieval bullshit from what I've read. Causing seizures... sounds stupid.

But I'm open if it's not some nonsense little better than placebo, so does anyone here know a lot, or tried ECT? Side effects?

 

[-nobodyknows-]

I have. Personally I don't think it's nearly as bad as people make it out to be, but for me it wasn't a realistic option to do long-term. But if you don't have much going on (work, school, etc) then you might as well try it imo.

 

[cait_sith]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

 

[-nobodyknows-]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

To be clear, the memory loss isn't like the sort that old people get where they forget where they are or who people are or their memories (or at least, it wasn't for me). It's really just short term memory stuff ("did I wash my hair already) that's mostly just a minor inconvenience if you're not doing it long-term. Though it does become difficult to recall and just think about things as well, which is probably why it helps with suicidal feelings (though my grades were likely especially shitty during this period because of the treatment). You sort of just go on autopilot. Also, looking back, I don't have much memory of what was going on during that period (though my life was pretty slow at the time anyway so that may also be why). However I was also doing it for an unusually long period (~8 months or so) and only had relief for a few days after treatment, which is not what is supposed to happen, so that also probably made things a bit worse in my case.

 

[KillingPain267]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

I feel the exact same. Something tampering with my memory is a big no no. It's the main reason I even gave up alcohol, because it started affecting my memory and I read how serious it can cause damage.

To be clear, the memory loss isn't like the sort that old people get where they forget where they are or who people are or their memories (or at least, it wasn't for me). It's really just short term memory stuff ("did I wash my hair already) that's mostly just a minor inconvenience if you're not doing it long-term. Though it does become difficult to recall and just think about things as well, which is probably why it helps with suicidal feelings (though my grades were likely especially shitty during this period because of the treatment). You sort of just go on autopilot. Also, looking back, I don't have much memory of what was going on during that period (though my life was pretty slow at the time anyway so that may also be why). However I was also doing it for an unusually long period (~8 months or so) and only had relief for a few days after treatment, which is not what is supposed to happen, so that also probably made things a bit worse in my case.

Yeah, that's what I read as well. Mostly short term memory loss in temporary periods. But I also read that there is a chance, albeit small, that it can tamper with long term memory. Even a small risk of that freaks me out. I know I would frantically check my memory constantly during and after ECT and freak out at the slightest thought of this or that memory disappearing.

 

[maniac116]

I'm a retired psych nurse.
Ect used to be terrible but not so much now. Some people have had great results, others not so much.
If you have treatment resistant depression then ECT may be worth a try

 

[divinemistress36]

I got a lot of memory loss from it but Im one of the smaller percent that did I guess. I wouldnt do it again for temporary relief. But it does help people

 

[MyTimeIsUp]

There's been a few comments I've read on other threads about it and they're now fucked because of it.

It is a barbaric practice in my opinion.

I know of one person that had it regularly. This was years ago. She lost a child and ended up with psychosis and was very suicidal. Each time she was let out of the psych ward, she'd try to kill herself. So they gave her that treatment to stop her (evidently forced). All it did was make her zombie like. Worst part is, no one gave a shit all they cared about was the fact she was zombie-like and couldn't kill herself. Obviously, it didn't do anything. Imagine having your brain electrocuted? Yeah, no thanks.

Disgusting that people actually think this is acceptable to do to people. It's even worse when it can be forced upon you. Vile. Fucking vile. Imagine being forcibly put to sleep and having your brain electrocuted?

Anyway, ask others on here. They haven't had good experiences.

 

[onamy]

Based on some reddit readings, it's basically causing brain damage so you won't be able to think so well. Memory issues giant red flag. Not something I would want. Even compared to drugs, drugs come and go, physical brain damage doesn't.

If you want something non-drug, TMS sounds like better option, my impression was that the overall effects somehow sounded adjacent to psychedelics with increased brain connections, increased anxiety and increased motivation. Hopefully with less brain damage. But depends on what you need, if you just need to reduce pain, it might not be the best.

 

[divinemistress36]

the more sessions they do and if its bilateral vs unilateral the more memory loss

 

[-nobodyknows-]

the more sessions they do and if its bilateral vs unilateral the more memory loss

I guess doing bilateral for such a long time was kind of crazy then…

 

[idkplshelp]

I've had ECTs.. Around 10.. I have no fucking clue about how I was for few months before them and after. I was diagnosed with drug induced schizophrenia and OCD 2 years before that, in 2014. My brain is trash I have extreme difficulty in thinking like a normal person n doing normal things. Everything is hazy, just comes n goes.. I have to train my mind to remember n shyt it's crazy.. I'm on constant emotional rollercoaster idk if it's due to ECTs or what.. I too read that it helps some PPL and screws others. I'll share more things if I can think of.. and as I read others replies n am able to share.
I'd say keep it as last resort.