Posted by PCB on September 16, 2019, at 9:06:50
In reply to Re: Maintanence ECT is effective, once every 8 weeks?, posted by sigismund on September 16, 2019, at 1:49:30
Dear sigismund,
I agree it is a scary topic. But reading the medical literature, ECT now is usually unilateral, low dose currents, current lasting only 45 seconds, they taper you off ECT with lower currents like medications, memory loss is rare, memory improvement with the resolution of depression happens in the majority of cases and maintenance is only every few months.
Readings say it's is sad, because after the STAR*D trial we know 33% do not respond to meds. And due to stigma, your right, only 0.16% of patients get ECT. They say it is cheaper and faster to start ECT if you fail 2 meds than to wait to respond to a 4 medication to work. And during that trial of the 3rd and 4th med, you brain is deteriorating.
What do you think of this (much improved ECT, cost effective, preventing further brain deterioration)
PCB
PS There is study of an 84 year man whom received over 400 ECT treatment at autopsy had no anatomy changes in his brain.
PSS. I was actually going to see this psychiatrist for a second opinion to ask to try Effexor or Lexapro augmented with Abilify. So I am not against medications
poster:PCB
thread:1106131
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20190728/msgs/1106139.html