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.
I just got out of the hospital last week and they had mentioned ECT as an option there. The finally got me so I'm not suicidal, but I'm still moderately depressed. The depression is wearing though and I don't know how long I can bear the weight of it without crashing again.
I thought at the time that they sent me home (after 3 weeks) because they felt as though there was nothing else they could do for me. My pdoc pretty much said the same thing to me today by saying we were close to running out of options and I shouldn't rule out ECT.
So... has anyone had ECT? How is the memory loss? Is it really bad, or just annoying? Do the memories come back? How long ago did you have it? Was it unilateral or bilateral? Did it work?
Sorry for all of the questions, but I am grasping at straws here.
Thanks!
I thought at the time that they sent me home (after 3 weeks) because they felt as though there was nothing else they could do for me. My pdoc pretty much said the same thing to me today by saying we were close to running out of options and I shouldn't rule out ECT.
So... has anyone had ECT? How is the memory loss? Is it really bad, or just annoying? Do the memories come back? How long ago did you have it? Was it unilateral or bilateral? Did it work?
Sorry for all of the questions, but I am grasping at straws here.
Thanks!
it was my life saver because I couldn't shake the depression no matter what I took.
I havent had another bad episode of depression since, but I tend to be more on the manic side.
everyone is different and thier experience is different. I would research and make sure it is your last resort and you have someone with you to help if needed.
some on this board have had bad experiences.
I wish you the best.
I have never had ECT, I know some who have & it was a good treatment & for others it was a nightmare. Personally I would exhaust all treatment options if I could before I had ECT (though that's in a perfect world & in some cases that can't happen) though I do admit, I wonder if it would work well for me & how the memory loss would be for me as well ( the reports I have heard really are varied)
Wish you the best! :hugs:
Hey morpheous, did you do yours inpatient or outpatient? I'm thinking if I do it, it would have to be inpatient as the only place I trust is over an hour away.
My daughter works in a psych hospital and says they do not use the high voltages of electricity now. I also read that when they dissect the brains of people who have had ECT, there is scar tissue in the spots where the electricity went in. So, that is the worst, which you said you wanted to hear.
My pdoc said Cymbalta is a miracle drug. I would try all the ADs first before I would consider this treatment. And memory loss was total disorganization for years after. But you have to figure this out for yourself.