My husband has severe depression and they are considering ECT for him. We know some of the side effects (short term memory loss,confusion) but we would like to hear from someone who has actually been through it. Only serious replies please. We are already stressed over this.
2006-11-11 05:18:05 · 4 answers · asked by lildragonlexi 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I haven't personally been through it, but I work at a large hospital that uses this therapy for some of their patients and I have seen it work wonders on people.
I have seen patients make complete turn-arounds due to this therapy and they are so thankful to have their lives back.
There are of course risks, as you know, but this therapy has worked for many and it could work for your husband.
The decision is of course up to you, but the doctors considering this are obviously thinking of this course of treatment for a reason and their input is valuable.
This treatment does work, think about it and GOOD LUCK!
2006-11-11 05:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by frumosfata 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i had ect eleven years ago when i was 14. the type of ect they used then was less advanced than the procedure used today. i had 18 treatments over a 6 week period. i can say that they may have saved my life. it certainly brought me out from a deep depression. it also helped the medicines i was taking work better. i think ect is a very viable treatment option for depression, expecially when medications dont work. i had my treatments on an outpatient basis. im sure it was a lot easier that way then having to be hospitalized. there were a lot of side effect that persisted for several years for me, namely memory loss. however, i think i only had such a time with it because of my young age and the technique which was used. if he does decide to go through with this, just make sure you get the facts. unilateral ect has a lower side effect profile than bilateral ect. the procedure in itself is not painful or uncomfortable at all. and in the long run, i think it will probably greatly improve his quality of life. most of the time, the memory loss is not permanent and can be regained quickly. i hope that helped. good luck
2006-11-11 06:56:46 · answer #2 · answered by jane franklin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no i haven't been through ect therapy but have worked in a hospital were ect was given usually ect is given when all else fails. ask how many sessions they recommend it should not exceed about 12 i have seen it work very well for depression especially for older people short term memory is a problem but it does not usually last long. it may not work for everyone, but u will know if it works or not in a few weeks. it is also used on anxiety, with good results. you may get some people saying they would never go through ect again, but oddly enough they usually, say they feel better. i know it is a tough decision, and as i say, if nothing else works for your husband then ect should be considered good luck
2006-11-11 05:49:41 · answer #3 · answered by zeek 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely comprehend!i grew to become into horseback driving and tore the tendons on the interior my left thigh related to my groin 2 years in the past.Now if I overdo issues or carry heavy issues,it hurts yet back and that i ought to stay off my feet for each week!The wellbeing practitioner mentioned this is going to continuously be this way and that's traumatic! i think for you and pray yours heavily isn't a similar.
2016-10-21 22:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋