Has anyone experienced ECT treatment for Depression?

Question

Ive been on many medications and none of them have worked, so my psychiatrist has now recommended ECT therapy probably starting in the next few weeks. Can anyone tell me what it feels like? (ECT = Electroconvulsive therapy )

Answer 1

I know several people who has had it, the only side effects they had to it was short term memory loss - in the long term it helped all but one of them 1 out of 6  the 1 it had no change  

Answer 2

I had ECT done several years ago. You don't feel anything while it is being done because they put you to sleep. You may have some short term memory loss. That should go away. For me, it didn't seem to help me at first, but in the long run it helped. I still get down sometimes but not to the extremes that I used to. I still have to take an anti depressant though.

Answer 3

Honeestly, I've heard many things.  I've heard horror stories from state institutions where people convulsed so badly that they broke bones.  I've also heard that it is just like falling asleep if it's done right, and there's no pain.  Also, I've heard that it really helped some people, and some had short term memory loss and nothing positive.  (But the horror stories are mainly from the sixties, so I think you'll be alright)

Answer 4

I had 5 ECT sessions in June and 1 in July.  I can't tell you what it feels like because they knock you out...I guess it hurts too much to do it awake...IDK.  I must warn you that you will have major short term memory lose.  I am very fuzzy in my memory from about 4 months before the ECTs and I can't remember anything that happened in July.  My dad was so pissed when he found out I had the ECTs done.  My advice to you is that you think seriously about this treatment.  I know for some it works wonders but you have to remember that not everything works great for everyone.  And I dont' think the ECTs help with my depression at all.  They have made life fustrating and difficult. I have found a great antidepressant since having the ECTs done.  I'm on Pristiq incase you were wondering.

EDIT: I just wanted to add that when I woke from the last treatment I couldn't remember my name, where I was, why I was there, or even who the person picking me up was (btw it was my husband).  It came back after a while but it still scares me that I could forget such important things.  And it took me about 2 weeks to remember my Yahoo! Mail password.

Answer 5

yes, well thats when ECT is only used now, when there is no response (or negative) to the 2 classes of anti-depressants (MAOIs, SSRIs).  It is used for a few treatments for a few weeks.. it has a very good success rate.  It might be a little scary, but trust it, it works.  and dont be surprised if they put you back on the ADepressants in conjunction or afterwards.. good luck... and to edit and fully answer... i havent experienced it before, but from what ive read and seen, you dont feel anything b.c. you blackout.. when you wake up, almsot right after treatment, you still dont remember it.  But they will give you a bite plate.  It Causes a slight seizure and stiffening of the extremities.. but once again you, as your conscious being, won't experience it.

Answer 6

My good friend had ECT.  She had 3 treatments and would never have it again.  There is some good information on ECT on you-tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2bLbf4kB...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFxVA2qG4...

Please carefully consider using ECT.  I am against it.