I've gone through two rounds of treatment - they gave me my life back.

On both ocassions the treatment was recommended when I was hospitalized for Depression. I really didn't see any other choice as I was desperate. BUT, they gave me lots of literature, showed me a video about it, and took me on a tour of the ECT Room before I made my decision.

Side effects? I had none at the time other than being a bit foggy immedately following the procedure but within an hour I was up and around. As for long term effects, my memory of the hospitalization is a bit hazy.

My only recommendation to people is to try to have the procedure done as part of in-patient treatment. It is a whole lot easier and less stressful than being an outpatient.