Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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HannaHana 01/31/2012

I'm somewhere in the area of treatment # 23, 24 or 25. I've lost count and my memory is so tampered with that I couldn't figure it out if I tried.

My mood is soooooo much better than it was. I'm no longer suicidal, and I am much more active in my childrens' lives. I talk more openly and seriously with my 12 year old daughter....and I'm doing my best to care for my 9 year old son (who is currently in a psych hospital).

I just wanted to post an update for anyone who might be potentially interested in ECT. Memory loss really sucks, and it is often the brunt of most jokes....but if I had to sacrifice my memory for my will to live....I've made the right choice.

Anyone who has questions regarding the details of this treatment.....don't hesitate to ask.

xoxo!!!!

deleted_user 01/31/2012

Hi, I had ECT treatment about 4 months ago and my short term memory is still really bad. I can't remember names or where i put things and what I was thinking off 10 seconds ago. Will this side effect go away in time and if so how long will it take to get my short term memory back?

HannaHana 01/31/2012

Well, your comment was probably more informative to me than I can be to you. I've heard (from the nurses and techs at treatment) that I can expect to regain my memory within 6 months. Of course, I'm still in the early maintenance phase of treatment....I still go once a week for ECT. I don't really expect to regain my memory until my maintenance ECT is cut to once every 6 months.

My memory is horrible. I remember my first treatment following Christmas, and I woke up and asked my nurse if Christmas had happened yet. She said it had and I didn't remember it at all. BUT, once my sister told me about it, I remembered. I guess sometimes it just takes a little reminder and the memories come back. Hopefully that's the case. I make sure to tell my best friend EVERYTHING so that she can re-tell it to me if I forget. I hope you have someone that you're close with that you can tell everything to in order to be reminded. xx

deleted_user 01/31/2012

Thanks Hanna, I think your right it does take about 6 months. I am not doing maintenance ECT though. so are you doing ECT once a week for six months? If that is the case then your memory will probably be affected. I am glad you found a treatment that is helping you.

deleted_user 01/31/2012

Yeah...Hanna.....Before you started the ect, was this your basic norm.....depressive, no enjoyment, hopeless, goaless, etc....?????....If so, these have disappeared with ect????? But memory problems are the issue????

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