Posted by ed_uk2010 on June 9, 2013, at 16:45:14
In reply to Re: Electroconvulsive Therapy Treatment #6, posted by Trevpr on June 9, 2013, at 1:51:17
Trev,
I must admit that I'm also rather unsure whether ECT is a suitable treatment for you. ECT can, in some cases, relieve the symptoms of severe depressive illness, usually at the cost of memory and cognitive disturbances. As I'm sure you know, ECT does not cure depression but produces a temporary reduction in symptoms which lasts for a variable amount of time after the treatment is complete. ECT is mainly used in a crisis situation. Maintenance ECT is only appropriate in extreme circumstances. Maintenance is with medication, which you are already on.
It seems that your severe depressive symptoms are under control. I am therefore unsure whether the risks of ECT are acceptable, given that any benefits are likely to be short term. Substantial memory loss has been reported.
The symptoms that you are experiencing (numbed emotions and low libido) may not be amenable to ECT. You could consider trying a different MAOI if you haven't already. Your doctor may wish to check your testosterone levels, although I suspect that it will be normal. Other blood tests such as thyroid function are also important. MAOIs and SSRIs tend to worsen the reduced libido which is already common in depression. Treating illness is often a trade-off. It's difficult.
So, what's your opinion? And what led your doctor to recommend ECT?
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1044711
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130527/msgs/1044995.html