[back2ncgirl]

I have suffered from depression all my life - about 3 years ago, something changed and it became so severe I was unable to continue working or living on my own. I tried countless combinations of medications for over a year, then my dr recommended ECT. I have had ECT in the past but didn't feel it was effective, but I was desperate for some relief.

After 8 weeks of 2-3 treatments a week, the dr delivering the ECT in conjunction with feedback from me, felt like I was actually feeling worse.

I changed drs a couple of times again, just desperate for some relief -- another dozen or so medication trials and I'm still more depressed than I have been ever in my life. The suicidal idealization is stronger than it has ever been.

I guess all this background is just noise....what I really wanted to know -- has anyone who tried ECT without good result found another option that worked -- VNS, DBS, TMS -- anything?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

[gracez]

Gosh back2ncgirl, I don't have any experience but wanted to know "you've been read". I dearly hope something is going to work for you, I do not wish anyone to experience this pain. I do know the frustration and hopelessness of "nothing working". I've been severely depressed for about a year now, nothing compared to your length of course, but nothings worked so far - meds, routines, etc. It makes me feel more hopeless and desperate and I can't say that I have a normal life with job, etc. , so to that part I can relate.

[Little Lulu]

I do not have any personal experience with ECT but I do know of two cases similar to yours. The daughter of a friend of mine (she is in her early 30's) has tried many meds, ECT, and TMS without success. What has worked best for her is Adderall at a fairly high dose, three times a day. The other example is my mother, who many years ago had severe depression and received ECT. I think it helped a little but what eventually worked best for her was Lithium which is still used today for stubborn, hard to treat depression.

Good thing that you are still seeking answers.

[Sunrise778]

Stay away from TmS a bad choice.. Doctors don't tel you about the bad side effects. I.e. Suicidiality, worsening depression hearing loss , vision problems, and so on. TMS is a big business and harmful.