dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?

Hello,

Back in January I began having ECT treatments for depression. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, ECT is a treatment in which a doctor puts you to sleep, places electrodes on your head and essentially shocks your brain in order to induce a seizure. The treatment is thought to "reset" a part of the brain involved with depression.

The treatment worked for a few weeks, and I felt much better emotionally. However, I began to notice that I was doing everything much more slowly and in a very detached way, as if I was constantly "spacing out". I had become emotionally very numb, even toward my family. I had lost the ability to genuinely laugh.

I also lost a significant amount of social skills, such as the ability to tell which way someone intends to walk and divert your path so you don't get in their way. I also began to feel very uncomfortable with eye contact, and I have a lot of trouble understanding even the simplest instructions.

My depressive symptoms returned soon after, and I was put on Fetzima and Remeron. My dose of Adderall was also increased, but the "spacey-ness" and detachment never let up.

I quit taking both the Fetzima and the Remeron 5 weeks ago, hoping that it would help lift the fog. It has not. Luckily, however, my depressive symptoms have remained under control.

Could anyone shed some light on what may be causing this, or what steps i may be able to take to fix it? I take Adderall 40mg in the morning, which helps me to wake up, but has no bearing me socially, mentally or emotionally.

I'd appreciate any feedback anyone might have.

I have been told I need ECTs also. Should I or not?

I'd probably have to know more about your situation to give you my opinion. What I can tell you is that it is expensive, and you will likely need multiple treatments a year. Everyone reacts differently to it, but it's something to consider.

Hi
First I must say that I am not English speaking, so please forgive my English.
I finished 12 ECT sessions 2 weeks ago. After 2 years of severe depression, I suddenly feel "normal". I don't know if it is going to last. Here, in Switzerland, after 4 weeks of 3 sessions/week, the treatment continues with 1 session every 2 weeks during 2 months, and then once a month for I guess a long time.
From what my doctor told me, the probability of relapsing is much lower if you keep having ECT.
I have just finished the bulk of the treatment, so it is a bit early for a real feedback.
Helene