Posted by chiron on August 22, 2007, at 0:00:11
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by linkadge on August 19, 2007, at 22:38:48
ECT is where they intentially create a seizure. I've heard it described as a recharge, I believe it increases multiple chemicals in your brain. It is the most effective treatment there is (80%), but of course it is scary, expensive, and there is the memory loss side effect.
My initial experience with it was amazing. I was pretty bad, and with only 5 treatments I felt better than I had EVER felt (I actually felt like doing things for the first time life). Unfortunately the great feeling didn't last, but it did pull me out of the deep.
I only had slight headaches that were just that day, only needed to pop some ibuprofen. I have done it occassionally since then, sometimes going in to work after (it is actually a pretty short procedure).
I did have some memory loss, some things come back after reminders. Some don't experience any, some experience a lot of memory loss.
A good book (if you are considering it), is 'Shocked' by Kitty Dukakis. Each chapter alternates between her experience and a psychiatrist giving the scientific view (and risks). She has bipolar, which it is suppose to be very effective for.
If it weren't for the memory loss and because my new anxiety has made me freak out about going under anesthesia, I would probably still be doing it. I don't care that they are shocking my brain, it feels like it needs it- I just fear the anesthesia right now, but of course I wouldn't want to be awake for it either.
poster:chiron
thread:777223
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070815/msgs/777719.html