ECT?

[nicetry]

I’m curious about the experiences of “real” (ie you) people with ECT. The good, bad and ugly. It’s on the table for me and I’m not sure what to do. Thanks.

[BonnieSue]

Hi nicetry,

I can tell you about the experience of a son of mine at about age 35. Dx: treatment resistant MDD, GAD. He tried the minimum number of visits for ECT as an outpatient. He had to do it in the mornings, couldn't drive himself there or back (I mean he was not safe to drive and no one receiving ECT could drive themselves). The hospital provided transportation but it was time consuming. We are about 12 miles away. He had to forego his benzo right before treatment and some days that was very hard, as he had anxiety symptoms, being several hours overdue for that med.

Treatments went fine, no other problems. One time he felt a breakthrough for about 10 minutes. His depression lifted quite a bit. That was his only benefit that he knows of. The treatments never helped again. I hope you have better results if you do this. Best of good health to you!

Hugs, Love, and Blessings...😊🌛🌳💫🎼🧚🏼‍♀️🦋🕊💜

[nicetry in reply to BonnieSue]

Thanks for the info. I’m very ambivalent about it because I’ve had many “failures” & know that ect can be less effective in that case.

[BonnieSue in reply to nicetry]

Do you mean that ECT can be less effective if you've had difficulty finding a drug that helps your depression? Isn't that the reason people like the option of ECT? That they can try it when all else has failed?

[nicetry in reply to BonnieSue]

That’s what I used to think but I’ve read some recent studies saying if you’ve tried and failed more than x-number (some say 5, some 7) meds without success, chances of remission actually go down. In other words, ECT should still be considered after meds and talk therapy, but try ect sooner rather than later & chances for success are greater. My fear is that in my current state of depression, if ECT does not provide significant results, I would likely consider or attempt suicide.

[BonnieSue in reply to nicetry]

I'm sorry to hear that you feel so low. If you need someone to talk to and no one is around, do you know about the new text line? It's not a suicide line, just a crisis line. You can text 741741 and reach a trained volunteer is my understanding. Here's the info on it: crisistextline.org/texting-in. OR, you're welcome to pm me and I'll get back to you asap. Having a son in your situation may make me a good listener for you. Take care of you, please.

Hugs, Love, and Blessings...

[Reallife72]

Same here. Doctor has mentioned it to me. I am glad I read your post though. I have been on meds for such a long time. It probably wouldn’t help much.

[carly1971]

Hi nice try

I am sorry that you are feeling so low.

You have said that ECT is not a success if you have tried lots of other meds.The reason that ECT is used,is because all other meds have not been successful.In a high volume of cases,ECT is successful.I had several sessions of it ,although it was 20 years ago,I had been on at least 10 different drugs one after the other and no success.ECT was the only thing that worked for me,I am not saying it works on everyone,but what have you got to loss? You have tried everything else.The only side effect I had was short term memory loss.But in my case I would credit it as a life saver for me,hope you feel better soon x

[nicetry in reply to carly1971]

Thanks. I’m only saying what I read in some scholarly journals. My doctor was like “it might work, it might not” — I’m not afraid of ECT as much as I am of what might happen if it doesn’t work. That would prob be my last straw before suicide.

[Mrspjsmom]

I was hospitalized after a suicide attempt and recieved ECT therapy. I was terrified but agreed to try anyways. The first one was the hardest because of the fear. For me they were a Godsend. It was if my brain had been reset. My advice is to try it but before you do only get the minimum information you need. That helps cut down on the fear. Good luck. If you decide to go ahead with the ECT I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

[nicetry in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Thanks. I’m leaning towards it, just have to figure out logistics bc where they do it is not near me & my husband wants to drive me, so he’s gotta make sure his work is ok with it. (For that matter, I’d have to figure out work). My doctor gave me a lot of information so I know the process. I’m seeing my therapist early next week & will run it by him.

[Mrspjsmom in reply to nicetry]

Good luck