My pdocs have been trying to get me to have ECT for 10 years, but from my own research I decided it was not the way to go for me. I always come out of my depression (bipolar) so I figure its not a long term solution for me as the depression will continue anyway and I will continue to need to be on meds.

I have a friend who is about to do a course of ECT for the 5th time in 4 yrs for situational depression. It seems everytime she gets depressed (loss of a bf/animal etc) she just goes back to ECT without even trying any of the life long coping skills that could help her. I am really worried about her having had so many treatments, with results that do not last that long, plus needing to be on antipsychotic and antidepressant medication (zyprexa for anxiety.... ) I am really worried about her and would like to know more about the negative effects so I can keep an eye on her.

To me after every treatment she is more dull and boring than before, our catch ups have turned from fun to me babysitting her... I cant lose her as a friend but I dont want to be her babysitter if she gets so fried from this round...

How long before you notice the cognitive decline?