Venting What do you know about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

[KillingPain267]

My doctor will refer me to a psychiatric unit after I tried some medications that failed. I've read that such units can offer ECT for severe depression. So I want to be prepared if they offer it. So far it sounds like some medieval bullshit from what I've read. Causing seizures... sounds stupid.

But I'm open if it's not some nonsense little better than placebo, so does anyone here know a lot, or tried ECT? Side effects?

 

[-nobodyknows-]

I have. Personally I don't think it's nearly as bad as people make it out to be, but for me it wasn't a realistic option to do long-term. But if you don't have much going on (work, school, etc) then you might as well try it imo.

 

[cait_sith]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

 

[-nobodyknows-]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

To be clear, the memory loss isn't like the sort that old people get where they forget where they are or who people are or their memories (or at least, it wasn't for me). It's really just short term memory stuff ("did I wash my hair already) that's mostly just a minor inconvenience if you're not doing it long-term. Though it does become difficult to recall and just think about things as well, which is probably why it helps with suicidal feelings (though my grades were likely especially shitty during this period because of the treatment). You sort of just go on autopilot. Also, looking back, I don't have much memory of what was going on during that period (though my life was pretty slow at the time anyway so that may also be why). However I was also doing it for an unusually long period (~8 months or so) and only had relief for a few days after treatment, which is not what is supposed to happen, so that also probably made things a bit worse in my case.

 

[KillingPain267]

Most known side effect is memory-loss, mostly short term. It's enough to put me off of it. Would not try it.

I feel the exact same. Something tampering with my memory is a big no no. It's the main reason I even gave up alcohol, because it started affecting my memory and I read how serious it can cause damage.

To be clear, the memory loss isn't like the sort that old people get where they forget where they are or who people are or their memories (or at least, it wasn't for me). It's really just short term memory stuff ("did I wash my hair already) that's mostly just a minor inconvenience if you're not doing it long-term. Though it does become difficult to recall and just think about things as well, which is probably why it helps with suicidal feelings (though my grades were likely especially shitty during this period because of the treatment). You sort of just go on autopilot. Also, looking back, I don't have much memory of what was going on during that period (though my life was pretty slow at the time anyway so that may also be why). However I was also doing it for an unusually long period (~8 months or so) and only had relief for a few days after treatment, which is not what is supposed to happen, so that also probably made things a bit worse in my case.

Yeah, that's what I read as well. Mostly short term memory loss in temporary periods. But I also read that there is a chance, albeit small, that it can tamper with long term memory. Even a small risk of that freaks me out. I know I would frantically check my memory constantly during and after ECT and freak out at the slightest thought of this or that memory disappearing.