Yes, ECT is still done. I don't know much about it...but I am considering it myself. Talk to your doctor about it. You can do a Google search and find info. on it. I know doctors still do it, although it's still a bit controversial. There are improved and safer methods than in the past. Hope this helps...feel better :)

Good luck if you want it mate; they won't allow me to have it.

ECT is still a treatment option, Karl, but one I think that is used as a last resort in many places.

I know two people who have had ECT. One person I was in hospital with, and the other I work with. My co-worker wishes she'd never had it done. As for the person I was in hospital with, seeing them literally scared me away from even considering it.

The best thing to do is research it, talk to your pdoc, therapist, etc., and get as much information as you can.

Good luck.

Hi Karl, I have had ECT several years ago and it worked! I was shit scared and very frightened, for me it was like a light switching on again almost instantly.... It was the longest period I was depression free, almost 5 years... see my profile. I'm seriously thinking about checking this option out again. It doesn't work for everyone, if you want to chat about it more don't hesitate to contact me. Vicky x

i havent had it myself, but i have talked at lenght to people who have because i was concidering it myself....most of the people are happy they had it done, and it was done after all the therapies and drugs had failed....this is not something to take lightly there are very real awful side effects that can happen, but like i said most people are better off....google it, talk to your family and friends and especially your doctors and therapists....

The thought of this scares the crap out of me.

I have an analogy I use when referring to ECT. We get scared when we hear the word ECT, just like we are frightened by the word chemotherapy because of the side effects...but it helps people, and ECT can help people too. Just a thought :)

i've had it.....it's done under general anesthesia-so you will feel nothing. afterwards,you may have a killer headache,tho. it can cause memory problems-it did in me. i still have blank spots in my memory. but it did help me. trish

bump

I had the ECT done on me! I had bad
side-effects, plus it didn't work for me!

BRAVE

I had ECT at the end of 1998 and it saved my life. I was so glad I had it done. Since I had it done I feel like a new person.

The hospital I work in does ECT and I have seen some amazing results. Have seen the same patients come back again for more, so doesn't always last.

Most of the patients are really happy they have done it. Something that I may consider myself since nothing else seems to be working for me. The memory loss scares me a little bit, but then there are so many blank spots in my memory now as it is, so not sure it would make much difference.

Personal decision, only you can make it. And if seriously considering, or even just for interest, you should be able to contact the hospital and see the treatment room, and watch the little video that they have on it.

bump

http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/index.aspx?puid=0f58721f-46b5-4053-8fb8-3ed4cbd6f98e&p=10&xid=nl_EverydayHealthEmotionalHealth_20080303

Hospitals still do it, but I wouldn't recommend it. Your short term memory gets shot and it's just an antiquated method that has adverse side effects for just a temporary "fix"