E C T - (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

[macbeth]

One of my major symptoms is severe depression and recently it was suggested to me that ect might be an option as I've gone through all the meds. I would love to here of your experience with it in the context of PTSD. Has it helped with any of the symptoms of PTSD?

 

[Sideways]

Not for me personally. I tried 2 different courses of ECT for depression. I've seen it work for other people though.'

In my case, we ended the second type early, because thr process (lying on a bed in a room full of strangers) was particularly frightening for me. A lot of people have no problem with it though (and actually look forward to the anaesthetic).

Another less invasive procedure to consider might be TMS?

 

[macbeth]

Unfortunately tms isn't available to me as a public patient.

 

[TruthSeeker]

ECT can negatively impact memory....that is a side effect, and can be long term since everyone's brain is different. You are altering brain chemistry without knowing what the long term effects are on memory and sleep......I already have enough issues with memory....You wouldn't ever catch me doing ECT......because of the unknown and possibly permanent side effects.

 

[loui50]

I had ECT. I did 9 treatments before my anxiety got so bad I couldn't continue. I have a lot of negative associations and thoughts connected to it. When I quit my whole support system, spouse, parents, therapist, psychiatrist..strongly encouraged me to continue. I went back for the 10th session and I was so anxious that the director pulled me aside and told me I didn't have to do this. I told her I didn't feel like I had a choice. She assured me I had a choice in the matter and that in fact she would not allow me to continue and would talk to my family. Everyone was angry with me for not continuing but after I processed the whole experience with my therapist she and my family accepted I couldn't continue. I ended up doing TMS and did great with that. It didn't help with anything except depression, but for that symptom it helped. I'm sorry it's not available to you. I will say I consider my ECT experience an additional trauma in and of itself. Good luck. I'm happy to answer and questions.

 

[EmmaOwl]

I went through a course of ECT in my mid-20s, and memory problems did harm to my career. It didn't particularly help with PTSD but it did pop me out of a terrible depression. My family says the results haven't lasted; I myself think I haven't had such a DOWN time since then so.. I have mixed feelings. I'm also happy to discuss details if you are really considering this. I'm sorry you're at this point :(

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

One of my major symptoms is severe depression and recently it was suggested to me that ect might be an option as I've gone through all the meds. I would love to here of your experience with it in the context of PTSD. Has it helped with any of the symptoms of PTSD?

try TMS first

 

[macbeth]

try TMS first

Can't. It's only available to private patients where I live. I don't have the money

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

Back in 2000 and 2001, I was in severe depression much of the time. I was also dealing with symptoms of PTSD, including anger and anxiety.

The psychiatric medications weren't working for me. Hence, the psychiatrists recommended ECT treatments for me.

Unfortunately, the ECT treatments didn't work for me. It didn't help me emotionally. Also, I don't remember much about my life during late 2000 and early 2001 because of the ECT treatments.

However, the ECT treatments were not a thing of last resort for me, as a few months later, I was put on meds that actually helped me a lot emotionally.