I went through ECT on two different occasions due to severe depression that was not responding to medications. It saved my life. Yes, there were some temporary side effects with memory during treatment, but I had no long-term memory problems and returned to work with no issues.

Would I do it again? ONLY if I was in that kind of severe shape, on a brief course of 9-12 treatments, then stop. Personally, I wouldn't do it as a maintenance treatment. First, it's way too disruptive to my routine. It does kill the day for certain and I can't afford that much time off from work (I was able to do my ECT during months when I was off from work so it didn't disrupt work. I couldn't do it during my work months -- I'm a teacher.) Secondly, even with insurance, it can be expensive depending on deductible and out-of-pocket financial responsibilities. Third, even though I never had long-term side effects, I am still wary of them and highly respectful of that potential risk.