Posted by Cam W. on May 16, 2001, at 9:19:17
In reply to ECT- to Cam W, posted by Thrud on May 16, 2001, at 6:40:24
Thrud - Although I work with people who have had ECT, I have never seen a procedure done. Therefore, others on this board may be able to give personal accounts that are much better than my second-hand accounts. Another caveat is that I am a pharamcist and am more comfortable talking about drugs.
The mental confusion caused by ECT seems to abate in a day or two, but I would want to take a day or two off before making any big decisions or have someone who is close to you help you fake it for a day or two. You would have to ask a few people who have experienced ECT to tell how much their cognition was impaired.
As for a risk-benefit analysis. ECT is the best antidepressant we have. It is scary because it looks that way and because of media hype. From the people I have talked to, the benefits of ECT far outweigh the risks. People have told me that they feel the ECT is worth it.
There is a new procedure that is in the early phases of testing. It is called seizuire inducing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). They have been able to induce seizures using TMS and early reports say that the magnetic pulse isn't impeded by the skull the way electricity, so they can focus the seizure to the desired area more precisely (ie certain areas of the temporal lobe). This is still probably a few years to ten years away from clinical use. As of now, ECT is the most powerful mood altering clinical tool that we have.
Sorry that I am not much help. People have strong views when it comes to things that scare them. Take all criticism and cudos with a grain of salt. I would suggest going into the ECT and following maintenance treatments with an empty head (ie no preconceived notions - perhaps an empty head is easier for me). This will allow you to use yourself as a guinea pig....er, experimental model, and to make the judgements as to efficacy and side effects. By listing the pluses and minuses of ECT, you should be able to come to a judgement as to whether ECT is right for you.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:63195
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63209.html