For what purpose & how effective was it?
and..does it hurt? :p
2007-03-15 08:09:40 · 4 answers · asked by Basma E 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi. I have ECT 2 times. Once for mania and the other for severe depression. Both times, it saved my life.
It does not hurt. You are put to sleep and they give you a muscle relaxant. In order to apply the shock, they put a probe on one-side of your head (usually right side). If you are really depressed and it is not working, they may put probes on both sides of your head.
The doctor adminsters the shock for a couple of seconds. That's it. Your body does not react because you have been given a muscle relaxant. Your toes may twich though.
Afterwards, you wake up. It takes longer to put you to sleep and wake you up then it does to adminster the shock.
They won't let you drive because of the anesethia.
I had a headache and a stomachae. But after I took a nap, they both were gone. It is hard to do anything for the rest of the day. Some people experience slight memory loss and some people exercience anger.
In the US, you go 3 times a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. usually in the morning.
It is very safe and I would not hestitate if I needed it.
2007-03-15 08:24:08 · answer #1 · answered by riptide_71 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was very effective with my aunt. It is the only thing that helped her depression. She tried many medications and was hospitalized for a while also. This was the only thing that seemed to help her. I believe they use it for a last resort. I am sure you will hear good and bad about it. If you have a doctor whom you trust, you may just have to go by his or her recommendations.
The best of luck to you.
2007-03-15 16:56:54 · answer #2 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it doesn't tickle. Actually it has been reported that Hemingway ( a writer ) had ECT to treat depression and he ended up comitting suicide. And he claimed that the ECT ruined his memory.
Wouldn't be my way to handle it.
2007-03-15 15:14:59 · answer #3 · answered by Nevaeh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
electro convulsive therapy or known as ' shock treatment ' it does not hurt - I have considered it myself- it is effective in treating chronic depression and other things in the mind
2007-03-15 15:16:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋