Posted by papillon2 on May 6, 2012, at 23:35:55
In reply to ECT: ultra-brief pulse cognitive side-effects, etc, posted by psychobot5000 on May 4, 2012, at 18:55:27
I was considering RUL ultra brief ECT (recommended by three separate doctors). Decided against it was wanted to try more medication options first.
Your notes are the same as mine. Other things to consider are:
(1) Your type of illness. ECT works best for melancholic depression and psychotic depression, over atypical depression.
(2) Your age. Cognitive/memory side effects are less in younger people over the elderly.
(3) The anti-depressant effect of ECT will last longer if you have a good medication regime with which to follow up. A study I read found that relapse rates after ECT were best for Nortriptyline + Lithium > Nortriptyline > Mirtazepine > an SSRI which I can't recall > Placebo. Unfortunately didn't bookmark the study so can't post a link for you.I know people who swear by ECT and say it was the best treatment decision they have ever made. Yes, they have a headache and memory problems for a short while after but these have been mild and reversible. I know other people who regret having it done and witnessed the massive anxiety and distress they experienced with having memory problems afterwards. I also know a lady who had it forced on her when she had psychotic depression which wasn't responding to anti-psychotics, she wasn't eating or drinking nor able to make treatment decisions for herself. She can't remember 6 months either side of the treatment but says it must have worked, she wouldn't have it again if given the choice but if it's the only option, so be it.
I wish there were some sort of way to know how your brain will respond to ECT. It's like jumping off a cliff not knowing how deep or shallow the water is. You could be fine (or better!), have temporary problems or be scarred for life.
Ring the bells that still can ring
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
~ Leonard Cohen
poster:papillon2
thread:1017140
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120425/msgs/1017308.html