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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Experiences

Posted , 4 users are following.

jimbourg8
jimbourg8

I'd like to know what people think of ECT and hear about their negative and positive views and especially their expiriences  resulting from  actual therapy.  I've  read   about how It can benefit depression and other maladies  from the professional viewpoint BUT I'd like to hear from the PATIENT directly. (I'm not a professional, just an interested person who has a son that has been and continues to be treated with ECT )  I'm really worried that it is performed too much and touted as a great therapy. ( I am very skeptical) I'm worried about the adverse effects that have been reported and are they long term ? There and many professionals that greatly support ECT. But there are also Doctors warning of the greave risks associated with this procedure .  Peoples thoughts and views please.  Thanks for your time.     James B. 

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever jimbourg8

    Posted

    I know it is not as bad as it was in the past 

    Several months ago we were discussing this in a hospital inspection and many seem to have positive views. They now sedate and instigate a fit, in the old days it was quite strong although today they give a relaxant medication that reduces the shaking to a slight tick. After treatment sometimes there is a loss of memory sometimes. Eventually memory does return 

    If you have any doubts regard a course of treatmnt talk to your GP or Specialist they are the ones who understand the treatment and can put your mind at rest.

    Personally I have not had the treatment and hav not seen it performed in the flesh. Take it on advisement with your Practice etc

    BOB

  • patricia44773
    patricia44773 jimbourg8

    Posted

    Hello James,

    I had ECT many, many years ago and I have the most terrible memories of it, but I am sure it has changed an awful lot since then.  My memory was damaged and still is.  I don't think it helped me in the least, it just frightened and confused me.

    But, as I said, that was over 30 years ago and the treatment, as I had it, would not be allowed today.

    I do hope that your son benefits from the treatment, I am sure that the professionals must know what they are doing.  But you are right to be skeptical and good for you for asking questions.

    Sorry I can't help more.

    Pat.xx

    • jimbourg8
      jimbourg8 patricia44773

      Posted

      Your own expirence indicates that it is not good.  And I have read and heard of the detrimental effects of this  brain disabling treatment.  Patients report it,  many pschiatrists opposes it's use,  also many Dr.s  recommend its usage.  However, there does not seem to be any  benefits to it's application. So wonder why it is still being praciticed ?  My own observation of it being used on my son indicates no positive effects.  How can you call, being spacy, non interacive, or docile as an improvement ?   Something to think about huh ?

       

    • patricia44773
      patricia44773 jimbourg8

      Posted

      Definitely something to think about.  I rarely hear someone singing its praises.
    • borderriever
      borderriever patricia44773

      Posted

      I knew a girl with skitsophenia in the seventees, She had several courses of treatment a year, Her family were very possesive of this twenty six year old. The daughter would go in an have her treatment, it did not seem to bother Her although there was problems associated after treatment, such as memory loss and confusion. At that time it was not the same as now and I always felt very conserned at the treatment she received and the then subtle side effects noticed by Her Family

      B.

  • Actiquser
    Actiquser jimbourg8

    Posted

    HI Jim, I worked in a psychiatric hospital in the 80's where this was used to treat severe depression. It appeared brutal and inhuman to me and patients complained of memory loss. It was not used as routine treatment but used only when other treatments had failed.

    • ted46777
      ted46777 Actiquser

      Posted

      Not that I have any real knowledge, apart from that it sounds like an early 19th century treatment, after I actually looked at the literature, there are ALOT of people newly undergoing this every year. There continues to be up to date research done. There are improving measures undertaken to prevent side effects.

      So it sounds really scary, but it actualy looks more actively researched than alot of drugs handed out.

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