DID ECT memory loss?

[netrezven]

Hi all, i have something in mind. I want to try Electroconvulsive theraphy. It’s not for disorders like mine, but there is a great chance to lose lots of memories. I can get it done i and know it wont be so legal. But it’s a chance for a new life.
I imagine how i’m left with a video of my old me with some basic instructions and lost, really lots of cash. What do you think, does anyone went trought this?

 

[joeylittle]

there is a great chance to lose lots of memories.

Not the long-term memories. The memories most likely to be lost as a side effect - if any memories are affected - are short-term, and the ones closer to the beginning of the ECT.

I imagine how i’m left with a video of my old me with some basic instructions and lost, really lots of cash.

This isn't what would happen.

 

[Sideways]

Memory loss is associated with particular types of ECT, and particular lengths of treatment. Ordinary courses of ECT these days, by an experienced practitioner, shouldn't cause anything other than short term memory loss, which is just as likely to be from the anaesthetic as the ECT.

 

[Ronin]

Ditto to ECT safe...

And I'll take the other angle as someone who has DID and was electrocuted in really unsafe ways more times - which is nothing like those treatments - and tell you that kind of memory loss ALSO doesn't happen ;)

As in other than ECT electrocution produces memory loss. And haze. And fugue that doesn't well lift. But not in the way of forget everything about your life forever.

And your heart not stopping is waaay more pressing concern than the memory ones.

Which ditto. Doesn't happen with ECT. Because well meaning & licensed MDs with medically safe equipment and operating procedures, as well as super small electro currents limited per session, with a lot of prep and supervised recovery time and post procedures checks & monitoring.

I don't have direct experience with ECT so cannot tell you more, there. But I considered it for depression multiple times, as before knowing part of my depression is a part of PTSD it's been assumed my depression is untreatable - so I spent time talking to people who have & psychiatrists a lot.

Plus as I said - grizzly trauma histories, perma DID while living through them background. ;)

And?

To make you literally drop your life to that extent you think would be great you'd have to have other brain injury going on... and you wouldn't get some clean slate, new life, from that. You'd be a gibbering mess or worse, catatonic. For the rest of your life.

Even if by chance something was exactly the type to produce memory loss 'just' for long term memories you wouldn't only erase the trauma. You'd forget stuff like how to button your shirt. Drive. Open a fridge. Ride a bike. Do your groceries. Brush your teeth. Walk.

Because memory ain't simple cut and paste... and traumatic memories neither.

Do therapy. Run of the mill any therapy. Do CBT.

Get a hang on your trauma...
Don't add new one to it.
Much less to your head.

 

[Friday]

I’ve been hit with a car battery and a bedframe, more times than I can count. I can remember everything, or near enough to make no never mind. I reeeeeeally wouldn’t count on electric current to a) erase exactly what you want, or b) if done in a dark hallway, to not have effects you wish ya wouldn’t.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

I had ECT treatments, due to my severe depression issues, back in the spring of 2001. As a result, I don't remember much from most of 2000 and the first half of 2001.

Unfortunately, the ECT treatments didn't work for me. However, the ECT treatments were NOT an option of last resort for me, as later in 2001 I went on new psychiatric medications which helped me a lot for a few years.