No, but I think it's an interesting theory.

No not myself but worked as a psychiatric nurse and I have seen people improve vastly from it! marilyn

One other thought about depression that won't break is that you should have your thyroid checked. My former Pdoc used to put people on thyroid hormones if the ADs weren't doing the job.

I have subclinical hypothyroidism meaning that in spite of having 'normal' levels, my thyroid doesn't work properly. It manifested in me in severe GI problems, loss of my eyebrows and a very gravelly voice.

Your Pdoc should be able to order the bloodwork. Mine always did and then I'd just take it to my regular doctor and the clinic would do it.

Hope you get feeling better.

I would love to hear any stories about shock therpathy////Love,...Helen

I have and it left me with short term and long term memory problems and didnt help my bipolar disorder and depression or suicidal thoughts at all be very careful

I am a nurse and have seen patients who did well with shock therapy and many who did not. I am reluctant about it because it is so randome. There is no control over where the shock goes. Yes, they can control where they put the electrodes, but there is no control over where it affects the brain. I have heard many patients say they lost memory and it wasn't worth loosing so much memory because they felt that was a part of themselves they weren't willing to loose.

I think I would have to have tried every single other therapy before agreeing to shock therapy. In other words, it should be a very last resort.

Have you tried everything else or are you just tired of being sick and want an easier way to cope? If so, shock therapy isn't the answer for you. Hugs, Fern

It sounds so drastic to me. I would only consider it if everything else was tried first.

(((hugs)))

I haven't but know folks who have. It has an over 90 percent success rate. That is way higher than any other depression treatment. It can have some bothersome side effects, but IMHO worth it in the long run. I agree with the comment it should be the treatment of last resort. And it is not effective for bipolar depression. If you decide to move forward with it, I hope you find a psychiatrist and hospital who has hours and hours and hours of experience with it.

sorry my answer is no...but I hope you find the answer to what you want to know...Hug

My mother went through shock therapy in the 60's. Now it is greatly improved since then BUt she did benefit from it. Leads me to the serotonin discussion for fibro people who have any familial history of depression. Even if we do not suffer from depression low serotonin is probably present and COULD be a major contribution to fibro.

Marilyn, did not know you were a psyche nurse. I was too in my "other" life. Burned out and entered business many years later. I counseled during the vietnam time, major issues!!!

Gentle hugs friends!!!

I know someone who has. That is the only thing that can bring them out of a manic episode. BUT it has its down side. They are a zombie for almost a week after and they loose a lot of memory, short and long term. SO, it is drastic but can help, you just have to weigh the pros and cons. Also, doctors don't really know WHY it works and therefor aren't sure of any long term or odd side effects. Be careful, it can bring you your current life back, but you may loose some valuable memories.

My son had it 3 times, it left him with a shocking memory. He also now has epilepsy.

Well, I'm glad I am not going to be doing it. They finally found something that works for me. But I was getting desperate. Wellbuturin (sp) Thanks everyone for your replies.