How helpful is ECT for treating depression and what are the side effects?

Question

A family member is looking into getting ECT for extreme depression. Have researched some sites, but want "real" feedback about any long term memory loss... whether it helped or not... that sort of thing

Answer 1

I had ECT twice, once for depression and once for mania. I have found it VERY EFFECTIVE and very helpful.

It is a very easy procedure and it takes longer to put you to sleep than the actual shocking.

I had 12 sessions and the only side effects I had were a bad headache and a stomache. I took a nap and when I woke up they were gone.

I did not experience any memory loss. Some people do experience short-term memory loss, but I did not.

I found it very helpful. Most other people I know that had ECT also found it very helpful. It lifted me out of my depression and I was able to get back to living a "normal" life.

I would do it again if I had to.

Answer 2

I don't know about ECT and may be they changed the name but there is another treatment called Trans Cranial Magnetic Therapy in which they use powerful magnetic that's powered by electricity. The magnetics are supposed to work by pulling on the area and it aligns the cells. People have reported an immediate difference including the more they use the TCM the less frequent they need to go back for treatment. If ECT is applying electricity directly to the brain I'd hold off. I'll ask a friend about ECT, see what she says about it.

I don't think this would be a good treatment from what people were saying on youtube it didn't sound to good. You can check out the documentaries on www.youtube.com.

Answer 3

At least for a limited time, ECT is very affective as a treatment for depression. The effects may be short-lived. The most common side effect is memory lost, although it is usually temporary.

Answer 4

I have suffered bipolar for 20 years now, and 8 years ago hit the worst depression of my life. I, too, had tried about every antidepressant, therapy, light therapy, sleep deprivation therapy. Nothing helped. My doctor, who was the Chief of the Inpatient Dept. of Psych at a large local hospital, suggested a course of ECT. I was all scheduled to undergo the treatment when my family caught wind of it, and took me to their house and prevented my hospital admission. I was too depressed to do anything about it. So I spent the next 2 years depressed instead. I wish I had had the treatments.

Answer 5

My friend got ECT in December to stop smoking and he is very satisfied with it. He feels no side effects and stopping was instant. He said there is one for over eating . Maybe try those first then the emotional memory removal after you are satisfied.

Answer 6

Well, I'd ask the doctor if they themselves would have the treatment, ot give it to their family members before I let them do that to me.

Answer 7

http://www.ect.org/
http://www.sntp.net/ect/ect3.htm
http://www.antipsychiatry.org/ect.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXC6b0xy4ts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mo5OuanBG0&mode=related&search=

Don't let them get it. It WILL cause permanent memory loss and brain damage.