Posted by linkadge on January 18, 2007, at 13:03:29
In reply to RE: I am not going to post on ECT anymore, posted by SLS on January 18, 2007, at 9:46:29
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First my disclaimer: if the following doesn't apply to you then disregard it.
------Its your brain and ultimately you need to make the decision.
One thing I would just like to comment is that sometimes people get into this mindset, that there is this linear treatment protocol whereby you fail one treamtment, and necessitates the next, harsher treatment.
There is also a logical fallacy that the subsequent, harsher treatment must be more effective than the less harsh treatment (because of the fact that it is harsher)
"You know, my depresson is such and such bad, therefore it needs ECT".
Another thing too, is that this whole board is so "bipolar". Sombody posts a study one day about the dangers of ECT, and everybody regrets having it, and shares their negative experiences. The next day, sombody talks about "so and so" who did great on ECT, and all of a sudden people are lining up outside the shock room. Its almost like we have no memory at all.
It is as if we only hear what we want to hear, and we disregard the rest.
You don't want ECT as much as you want to believe there is something strong enough to get you well.
Telling somebody you have had ECT is also a way of getting the point across of how bad you feel. It used to be that one could just take an antiepressant and people would back off, and understand what you mean. Now, sombody has to dammge their brain just to get the point across.
Its like cutting in a way. Even if it doesn't work, one can still show those scars so that people will understand.
Don't use ECT as a badge.
Now don't get me wrong, I believe there is always something strong enough to get a person well, but I just don't think that we should put ECT on this treatment pedisatal.
Cause in some peoples minds, ECT will stay on a pedistal untill the day that it gets pulled off the market.
Its like my doctor saying, "do you want to try this new SSRI? Some studies show it is more effective than other treamtments, but other studies show it is no better. It is pretty much the exact same thing as every other SSRI, although it carries the risk of brain dammage and possable long term memory loss. In addition, it will only work for 6 months, and then you're screwed.
The possable side effects from ECT are a many times worse than that of a medication, while the possble benifit is possably only marginally better, (and probably not statiscally any better if one dare to think 6 months down the road.)Its like the lottery. Sure you will get those people who hit the jackpot, and they trigger the gambling instict in a lot of susceptable people, but the bottom line is, what do the statistics say, and are you ready to gamble with your brain.
Remember, the so-called big guns, by their very definition, can blow big holes.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:723441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070113/msgs/723649.html