Quote:
Originally Posted by psychtech9
hello everyone,
I would like to know, if anyone who was diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorders has ever had electric-convulsive-therapy? Has it been effective in treating your bipolar illness? Any long-term side-effects such as short-term memory loss?
If you care to share, it will be very helpful to me. I will be ongoing this surgical procedure within a week to 10 days? Any thoughts or comments for me, would be extremely helpful for me!
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This is my first time to post a reply and what I have to say is scary. ECT did not work for me. I had 24 treatments in 2000 and was significantly depressed for 6 months afterwards. I permanently lost 60% of my memory for events that occurred during the year prior to, and the year following the treatments. I developed psychotic symptoms towards the end of my treatment; that's why it was terminated. I was also unable to work for a year after, and lost my job as a result. No one told me not to drive and I accidentally hit a pedestrian. When I returned to moderate functioning, I proceeded to make a lot of huge life mistakes that I am still paying for.
In my opinion, ECT is like invasive surgery. The risks are very serious. I was living in a big city and had no one to look after me. My recommendation is that you make arrangements beforehand for someone to oversee your affairs during your treatments and for at least 6 months afterwards. That would include transportation, financial matters, medical care, important career decisions, etc., because your thinking might be impaired like mine was.