Posted by PaulS on May 11, 2000, at 1:48:38
In reply to For Cam- ECT, posted by Danielle on May 10, 2000, at 23:37:34
Danille, ECT treatments are usually done 3 times weekly over a period of 4 weeks. Nowadays they are normally a unilateral treatment which means they only apply the charge to one side of the brain. In more severe casess they may still use the bilateral treatment which increases the side effects...which is usually complaints about short term memory loss.
I have had both the unilateral and bilateral treatment and the foggy memory was much less with the unilateral treatment. At no time have I ever felt that permanent damage was done.
Having said that, I do not know that I can recommend ECT treatment because of the varied responses I have seen. Several people I have met said that ECT saved their lives, quite a few saw no benefit, and a few felt it damaged their memory long term. The last group is not to be taken lightly as depressed people who feel this way (rightly or wrongly) can become even more despondent if they think ECT has done them harm.
My own experience was that it neither hurt nor helped me.ECT still has a strong stigma about it so I would discuss it closely with his doctor...and a few people who have had the treatment if possible, and only go forward with the treatment if the patient is comfortable with trying it.
Hope this helps.
poster:PaulS
thread:33136
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33144.html