[mentallyunstable86]

Hey all, I have Mixed Episode BiPolar 1 disorder.. And I have tried all different kinds of medications that don't seem to work for me. Have any of you tried or know anything about ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy). Mr Psychiatrist mentioned it and I am scared to think about it, because I have not talked to anyone who has experienced it. Any advice appreciated.

[CANDC]

Hi mentallyunstable86. Welcome to Psych Central. Sorry you have had trouble finding an effective med. This article lists some options
Bipolar Disorder Treatment | Psych Central

this may be of interest
Some Ideas for Handling Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder | Psych Central

And more about ECT
https://psychcentral.com/lib/risks-a...ffects-of-ect/

I have heard that single sided ECT can be better for retaining and retraining memories than double sided ECT. Ask your doc about that.

I also combine a high protein low carb diet, exercise, yoga and meditation to help me stay stable.

[Wander]

I have had ECT. It didn't work for me unfortunately but can be a life-saver for others. It is true that unilateral is less harmful on memory than bilateral. I would only use it as a last resort due to the possibilities of memory loss, and then only unilaterally. Of course bilaterally works better but does more damage. Saying all that I have had both in 2013 and am mentally fine now, no cognitive issues or lasting effects.

Good luck

[mentallyunstable86]

Thanks for replying. I have tried so many medications. The psychiatric medications I am on are: Lithium 1200mg, Ability 10mg, Seroquel 100mg, Concerta 54mg, Ritalin 20mg, Xanax 1mg three times a day. I will definitely talk to my Doctor about unilateral ECT. Because one of the major things I am scared of is memory loss.

[xRavenx]

I've heard of people doing well with it. Yes, there are some people who get memory loss....some experience this more than others, and I'm sure your doc can discuss the different options. I know someone personally who has some mild memory issues, but she manages, and feels the ECT saved her life. Mixed episodes are horrible. I wish you well.

[Wander]

Is TMS an option? Transcranial Electro-Magnetic Stimulations. Can produce similar results without the side effects and doesn't even require a general anaesthetic.

Overview - Transcranial magnetic stimulation - Mayo Clinic

[mentallyunstable86]

[QUOTE=Wander;5381273]Is TMS an option? Transcranial Electro-Magnetic Stimulations. Can produce similar results without the side effects and doesn't even require a general anaesthetic.

I haven't heard of this. I'll look into it. Thanks!!!

[Wander]

Also, throughout the duration of your treatment you have to be taken off most mood-stabilisers like Lithium, anti-epileptic meds and Belzodiazapines. the first two can be removed fairly easily but if you have been taking Xanax for a while you will have developed a dependance to it which means you have to take the time to taper off it or ,do what I did, just stop it and go wild with discontinuation syndrome. The distress that caused kinda made the ECT not worth it.

Most anti-psychotics and Concerta and Ritalin can be ok tp suddenly stop but i would still ask my pdoc what to actually expect, what meds you can take and what you can't. This another benefit to TMS as no med adjustments are needed.

[Moreta]

The antipsychotic Saphris worked like a charm for me to get me out of my mixed episode in 2015. It also works well for mania. It'll make you tired as hell, but at least you won't be having an episode.

I also take lamictal, geodon, carbamazapine, and gabapentin.

I had a manic episode in july because I quit taking saphris, so my psychiatrist put me back on it and my shaman did a biofeedback session, and I was back to normal in a week.