[CagedBird]

I've seen there are a few other ECT threads but I thought I would go ahead and start my own. I have tried EVERYTHING- all the meds, therapy, group therapy, hospitalization, partial-hospitalization. Nothing has worked.

ECT seems to have good results for people as a last resort. The only thing that worries me is the memory loss. I wish that the other version of this treatment was easier to access (the magnetic one).

I've been fighting schizophrenia and depression (bipolar) since I was a small child. I was 5 when I had my first psychotic symptoms. I was 9 when the depression hit me.

Nothing has worked for me so far and I'm getting desperate. I'm constantly suicidal and engaging in self-harm. I can't function. If I get out of bed AND brush my teeth in the same day it's a huge deal.

Should I get ECT to try to get some sort of a life, or live like this because I am afraid to forget things? I don't want to lose my college education or the memories of my grandmother.

Is there any other sort of treatment I am missing that I could do instead?

[nicoleb2]

Whether to have ECT or not is a very personal decision. You have to weigh the risks and benefits for YOU. It works great with little side effects for some. FOr me, a lot of memory loss and i'd never do it again

[CagedBird]

Thank you very much for your reply. I'm desperate so I think I'm going to discuss this with my psychiatrist tomorrow. I'll post what he thinks after I see him.

[Hope.Floater]

I agree with nicoleb2, ECT's are a personal decision. I would def recommend you do major research before you make a decision. I too had ECT's many years ago. Both long term and short term memory have been majorly effected and I suffer from sever migrains. ECT's were not the best choice for me but I have talked to several people who have had good luck with them. ECT's are like medication's. For some they work and some they don't. Best wishes for what ever you choose.

[Tivox3]

When getting feedback from people who have had ECT previously, it is CRITICAL that you know when they received their treatments and of what type they were. The approach has changed significantly in recent years.

With the advent of Right Unilateral (RUL) instead of Bilateral (Bitemporal (BT)) electrode placement, memory & cognition adverse effects have been shown to be reduced. Instead of using electricity in the form of a sine wave, they're now using short and even ultra-short bursts, which again appear to reduce the adverse effects. Even the anesthesia being used has been improved over time.

I was dead-set against ECT when my psychiatrist first recommended it, and even horrified that I would be considered "that sick." She also suggested I look into TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy. Unfortunately, most insurers will not cover TMS, and I can't afford to self-pay. So, after a tremendous amount of research, I'm comfortable with moving forward with ECT, with my first treatment probably next week.

I'm meeting with an acquaintance who is also a psychiatrist at the same hospital as my psychiatrist later this week, and I hope to get my last questions answered. As of right now, I want ultra-short bursts, either RUL or bifrontal (BF), which a newer approach to bilateral that may be as effective as BT, without the increased current necessary for RUL, but with the lowered adverse effects comparable to RUL. Although it seems that most ECT in the U.S. is given three times a week, I've read that in Europe, it's done twice a week, with less adverse effects. The theory is that your brain is given more time to recover its functionality in between treatments, so I'm insisting on a twice a week schedule. Research has shown that you end up getting the same number of treatments in either case, it just takes longer if you go twice instead of thrice weekly. Hopefully the hospital won't have some rigid policy against that.

I look forward to reading more of your experience, CagedBird!

[nicoleb2]

Originally Posted by Tivox3

When getting feedback from people who have had ECT previously, it is CRITICAL that you know when they received their treatments and of what type they were. The approach has changed significantly in recent years.

With the advent of Right Unilateral (RUL) instead of Bilateral (Bitemporal (BT)) electrode placement, memory & cognition adverse effects have been shown to be reduced. Instead of using electricity in the form of a sine wave, they're now using short and even ultra-short bursts, which again appear to reduce the adverse effects. Even the anesthesia being used has been improved over time.

I was dead-set against ECT when my psychiatrist first recommended it, and even horrified that I would be considered "that sick." She also suggested I look into TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy. Unfortunately, most insurers will not cover TMS, and I can't afford to self-pay. So, after a tremendous amount of research, I'm comfortable with moving forward with ECT, with my first treatment probably next week.

I'm meeting with an acquaintance who is also a psychiatrist at the same hospital as my psychiatrist later this week, and I hope to get my last questions answered. As of right now, I want ultra-short bursts, either RUL or bifrontal (BF), which a newer approach to bilateral that may be as effective as BT, without the increased current necessary for RUL, but with the lowered adverse effects comparable to RUL. Although it seems that most ECT in the U.S. is given three times a week, I've read that in Europe, it's done twice a week, with less adverse effects. The theory is that your brain is given more time to recover its functionality in between treatments, so I'm insisting on a twice a week schedule. Research has shown that you end up getting the same number of treatments in either case, it just takes longer if you go twice instead of thrice weekly. Hopefully the hospital won't have some rigid policy against that.

I look forward to reading more of your experience, CagedBird!

I had right unilateral a couple of years ago and still ended up with major memory issues. Great improvement for some. not me

[jegsu01]

I have had ECT done, it didn't work for me. I had it done 4 years ago and I am still dealing with my depression.

[Tivox3]

Originally Posted by nicoleb2

I had right unilateral a couple of years ago and still ended up with major memory issues. Great improvement for some. not me

If you wouldn't mind telling us more about your experience, I'd appreciate it. I'm new to the forum, so forgive me if this has been covered before.

How many treatments did you have? Were they scheduled two, or three items a week? Did you receive sine wave or burst current?

From what I've read, if the patient doesn't respond to RUL after 4-6 treatments, they switch to bilateral. Did they do this for you?

Did you receive any relief from your depression?

What sort of memory issues do you experience now? Autobiographical memories from before treatment? Difficulties with forming new memories now? Do you think it also affected your cognitive abilities long-term?

Thanks much for your time.

[Tivox3]

Originally Posted by jegsu01

I have had ECT done, it didn't work for me. I had it done 4 years ago and I am still dealing with my depression.

ECT is a treatment, not a cure. Did you stay on meds? Did you get maintenance ECT? Don't give up fighting it and don't let your shrink give up either!

[jegsu01]

Originally Posted by Tivox3

ECT is a treatment, not a cure. Did you stay on meds? Did you get maintenance ECT? Don't give up fighting it and don't let your shrink give up either!

I am still on medication, and right now I don't plan on giving up. But it is a struggle each and everyday.

[nicoleb2]

Originally Posted by Tivox3

If you wouldn't mind telling us more about your experience, I'd appreciate it. I'm new to the forum, so forgive me if this has been covered before.

How many treatments did you have? Were they scheduled two, or three items a week? Did you receive sine wave or burst current?

From what I've read, if the patient doesn't respond to RUL after 4-6 treatments, they switch to bilateral. Did they do this for you?

Did you receive any relief from your depression?

What sort of memory issues do you experience now? Autobiographical memories from before treatment? Difficulties with forming new memories now? Do you think it also affected your cognitive abilities long-term?

Thanks much for your time.

If only I could remember all the details!! They never switched me to bilateral, that much I do know.

Memory issues - I can't remember most of my childhood, have a chunk of time I remember when my dad was ill and dying, then I have a few memories of my kids during their first couple of years, but don't remember a LOT. I also have trouble with short term memory.

I'm certain it affected my cognitive abilities as well

[maxie0508]

Originally Posted by CagedBird

I've seen there are a few other ECT threads but I thought I would go ahead and start my own. I have tried EVERYTHING- all the meds, therapy, group therapy, hospitalization, partial-hospitalization. Nothing has worked.

ECT seems to have good results for people as a last resort. The only thing that worries me is the memory loss. I wish that the other version of this treatment was easier to access (the magnetic one).

I've been fighting schizophrenia and depression (bipolar) since I was a small child. I was 5 when I had my first psychotic symptoms. I was 9 when the depression hit me.

Nothing has worked for me so far and I'm getting desperate. I'm constantly suicidal and engaging in self-harm. I can't function. If I get out of bed AND brush my teeth in the same day it's a huge deal.

Should I get ECT to try to get some sort of a life, or live like this because I am afraid to forget things? I don't want to lose my college education or the memories of my grandmother.

Is there any other sort of treatment I am missing that I could do instead?

I have had ect when I was in my 30's and it worked very well. I am 66 now and want to find a way to get it again. I went to college 6 mo after having the series of treatments. did not lose my memory it was as like the bad memories just did not surface all the time. They did not seem to be very high on the memory list so to speak. You are very relaxed after them, Think About It

[ilive4music]

Originally Posted by CagedBird

I've seen there are a few other ECT threads but I thought I would go ahead and start my own. I have tried EVERYTHING- all the meds, therapy, group therapy, hospitalization, partial-hospitalization. Nothing has worked.

ECT seems to have good results for people as a last resort. The only thing that worries me is the memory loss. I wish that the other version of this treatment was easier to access (the magnetic one).

I've been fighting schizophrenia and depression (bipolar) since I was a small child. I was 5 when I had my first psychotic symptoms. I was 9 when the depression hit me.

Nothing has worked for me so far and I'm getting desperate. I'm constantly suicidal and engaging in self-harm. I can't function. If I get out of bed AND brush my teeth in the same day it's a huge deal.

Should I get ECT to try to get some sort of a life, or live like this because I am afraid to forget things? I don't want to lose my college education or the memories of my grandmother.

Is there any other sort of treatment I am missing that I could do instead?

What kind of college education did you lose?

[coyotetaught]

What kind of therapy have you tried, if you don't mind me asking? There are many kinds, and while therapy hasn't helped me in the past, I'm pretty sure CBT for psychosis would be beneficial in my case, since my previous therapy was just general 'talk therapy'.

I've heard a lot of bad things about ECT. I've heard from too many people that have lost huge chunks of their memory and have had lasting effects for me to think that it's worth it. I also don't think the doctors warn you enough about the possible side effects. People aren't experiencing just 'some' memory problems. Losing years of your life isn't 'some'.

I haven't had it myself though, but that's what I think.

[happywoman]

Originally Posted by CagedBird

I've seen there are a few other ECT threads but I thought I would go ahead and start my own. I have tried EVERYTHING- all the meds, therapy, group therapy, hospitalization, partial-hospitalization. Nothing has worked.

ECT seems to have good results for people as a last resort. The only thing that worries me is the memory loss. I wish that the other version of this treatment was easier to access (the magnetic one).

I've been fighting schizophrenia and depression (bipolar) since I was a small child. I was 5 when I had my first psychotic symptoms. I was 9 when the depression hit me.

Nothing has worked for me so far and I'm getting desperate. I'm constantly suicidal and engaging in self-harm. I can't function. If I get out of bed AND brush my teeth in the same day it's a huge deal.

Should I get ECT to try to get some sort of a life, or live like this because I am afraid to forget things? I don't want to lose my college education or the memories of my grandmother.

Is there any other sort of treatment I am missing that I could do instead?

I had ECT 25 years. I don't remember how many sessions I had or what type. I remember them being frequent. I'd say 2nd or 3rd daily. I don't think I completed intended course. At the time I was diagnosed as schizoaphreniform disorder I think. I was in hospital for about 4-6 month. I'd have to ask my parents if they thought it made an improvement to my depression at that time. I completed my college/ uni education prior to ECT and I use that education in my job today daily. I remember my childhood and grandparents well. I would probably say I have some memory loss , not as astute and don't recall some part of that hospitalization(thankfully). I was about 24 when had ECT now in late forties. It was the best treatment for me at the time according to my parents and doctor.
All the best to you in whatever you decide.

[Icecreamlady]

Pleas let me know what the doctor tell you.

[nottrustin]

I know this is older topic but this is my experience from working in the MH field and having ECT patients on our psych unit. I have never received ECT though. When the patient is having a treatment typically it takes literally a couple of seconds. Usually all you see is the twitch of a toe or finger. Some people do have short term memory loss..for some it is worth it because it helps so much with their depression. Most of the people I see do not have memory loss. Generally they are tired directly after a treatment and take a nap. Some have migraine headaches for that day. Our typical protocol is 3x weekly but for some it is too much so they have it 2x. We have also have patients who are on maintenance and come to the hospital for an outpatient treatment. They may come weekly or some they come 1x a month. It is customized to fit what the patient needs.

[Lauliza]

I know this is old but I just recently met someone with experience with ECT. She said after 20 something years with major depression, it was the only treatment that truly worked. What you say as the experience is what she recounted to me, that it is very quick and without convulsions, just minor twitching of a toe. People still have the mental images from movies like "one flew over the cukoo's nest" but that is not the reality today. There was some minor memory loss but to her worth it compared to the despair she was living with. It's not for everyone but when it works, it really works.