Hi there, hope your ECT went OK.

I had ECT a while ago now (in fact I was 25 so about the same age as you). It was far more effective than any medication I've had before or since. In fact I'm wondering whether ECT might be an option for me again now.

I'm sure the docs will have explained about the problems you may experience with memory. The degree of problem varies from person to person. My advice is to keep a diary and read and re-read it often. Even years afterwards I found I was able to fill in some of the gaps just because of the diary. Try not to worry too much about memory loss, after all meds can cause it and so does depression itself.

The one thing I had with ECT that I hadn't been warned about was a stiff jaw. When I mentioned it to the doc he changed to unilateral electrode placement and that fixed the problem. So if you do get any wierd physical symptoms don't be afraid to say.

I found that straight after the treatments I'd be wired for a couple of hours, then mellow and then my mood would drop again, but each time my mood stayed a bit higher than before. That's the big thing about ECT, when it works it is much quicker than meds.

The med you've started on sounds like a Mono-amine oxidase inhibitor, they are supposed to be most effective for atypical depressions. Did they tell you whether it is an old MAOI or a newer RIMA? I saw some research the other day that said that the dangers associated with MAOIs are not quite as high as once believed. I've never taken MAOIs but my doc thinks it might be an option because of treatment resistance.

Good Luck

if you want to get in touch you can always send me a private message.