Posted by linkadge on August 19, 2007, at 22:44:32
In reply to IN THIS SITUATION, CAN ECT HURT?, posted by clubfitter on August 19, 2007, at 22:13:06
>A couple weeks ago I was hospitalized, suicidal, >etc...as I have suffered from >Bipolar/MDD/SAD/APD for the better part of 15 >years. I am feeling noticeably better on >Lamictal 200, Geodon 80, Lexapro 20 and Klonopin >2mg per day. I want to do ECT just to "re >program" and get rid of it all if at all >possible. Is this premature or should I just >continue to ride the wave Im on. Keep in >mind, "feeling better" is a relative >term....Thanks
If you are feeling better on medication it is not a good idea to have ECT. ECT is reserved (for good reason) for those who are failing to gain theraputic effect from several antidepressant drugs, combinations etc.
It has many side effects (I am sure you are aware). While ECT is effective for some, it does not, in any way cure depression. The relapse rate for ECT is very high, more than half recieving it will relapse within a year.
While, ECT is sometimes aluded to as being a "factory reset" for the brain, there is really no proof that it gets to the heart of the disorder any more than do medications.
There are risks to ECT, most notably, the possabiltiy of permanant memory loss.
Also, sometimes it doesn't work.
I would personally reserve ECT for a time where nothing else is working.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:777221
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070815/msgs/777231.html