Posted by kazoo on April 2, 2001, at 0:49:48
In reply to Any POSITIVE experiences with ECT?, posted by Thrud on March 31, 2001, at 16:50:43
> Hi everyone.
> After suffering depression for over ten years with poor response to medication, I am considering ECT. I have read many postings by people who have had bad memory problems as a result of ECT. Has anyone out there had only minor, transient memory difficulties like the literature says you should expect? Or is the reality grim?
> I really appreciate your experiences.
>
> Thrud
>
^^^^^^^^^I have read your previous posting re. the problem(s) with medication. What disturbs me the most is this recent fanatical interest in ECT, which has been a common topic of discussion here lately. From what I know of ECT, it is not a walk in the park, nor like a trip to the dentist. This is a serious undertaking, not to be taken lightly or accepted as a panacea for any kind of depression. By virtue of the fact that you're able to analyze your situation and post intelligently about it indicates to me that you are probably not the "ideal" candidate for this procedure. Remember: ECT is a serious, end-of-the-line, last-resort procedure indicated for only a small percentage of those who are totally unable, and incapable, to help themselves out of depression so profound that hospitalization is usually indicated. Despite a recent revival of interest in ECT, the jury is still out as to its longitudinal efficacy, not to mention damage.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
kazoo
poster:kazoo
thread:58232
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58403.html