New ECT

[DannyG]

Hi all

i have read the existing threads here on ECT

i have a new psychiatrist who is recommending I have ECT as an inpatient.

is anyone willing to share their experiences?

many thanks

[geoff]

Hello DannyG, thanks for coming to the site.

I'm sure there would be various different comments on whether or not to have ECT, that's a decision between you and your psychiatrist need to determine and although I was considering whether or not to have it myself, I decided against it.

It was a procedure I asked my psychologist whether I should have it done but everyone is different and each one of us react differently to medication and/or ECT if that's their choice.

I know someone who has had it done, as any AD (antidepressant) didn't appear to relieve her of extreme anxiety and I believe she had more than 15 sessions where she was put to sleep, but it doesn't happen without any side-effects and the benefits are that she has improved but not cured, as she has told me.

This was maybe totally different from how you react but would like to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[DannyG]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Geoff. I think the reason I’m being offered this treatment is that, like your friend, anti depressants are not working.

I know everyone is different and one must weigh up pros and cons of treatment. I’m attempting to do this in order to make a decision.

many thanks for your help.

[geoff]

Hello Danny, thanks for getting back to us.

To try and work out all the pros and cons are from past experiences established and the knowledge obtained, and yes you may follow suit, but it doesn't necessarily mean the same result will or may happen to you.

The person I was talking about, and after all the treatments, the final result didn't cure them, it may have helped them, so I realise it's not an easy choice to make.

Best wishes.

Geoff.