ECT - long term

[Glitchystitchy]

It’s been a few years since I had ECT and now that I’m starting to do more with my life I’m noticing it’s effects.

Originally I thought forgetting most of the year before and after ECT was the main side effect. Now though I’m noticing issues I didn’t experience before ECT.

I really struggle to learn new things and while my short term memory works pretty well, long term memories are harder.

I also get confused. I mix up times and dates. I leave for an appointment 15 mins beforehand thinking I have 45 minutes. And my brain seems to just blank and skip details of new things I’m learning.

It’s really hard to deal with and I can’t explain to anyone why as I don’t want them thinking less of me.

Sometimes I feel angry that it’s done this to me but then I know I’m grateful as I probably wouldn’t be here without it.

I just want to ask if anyone who has struggled with similar side effects has found a way to cope. Or to improve their cognitive functioning long term…

[Bob_22]

Hi Glitchystitchy,

Welcome to the forums and I hope you're well. 

Good question regarding ECT. Probably best to ask the psychiatrist who referred you or you're current psychiatrist. I've had ECT a few times and experienced the common short term memory loss but my psychiatrist has told me that's normal. He mentioned there's not much evidence regarding long term memory deficits so best to consult your doctor if he knows of any other patients or studies in this area. 

As a side note, my doctor has mentioned to me that in my case, depression can also impair both short and long term memory so that may be something you might like to discuss also. I hope you can find some improvement though. I definitely have found keeping a journal helps as well as keeping an organised calendar. On top of this, trying to keep things in a routine has helped as well. Whenever there is an important detail I'd like to remember it helps to take a note, photo or go over it in my head a few times. 

Hope that  helps,

Bob