Has anyone tried ECT?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Has anyone tried ECT?
2
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 11:54pm
My Mom is in the hospital starting ECT. Today was her first one. She has Major depression and panic disorder and drugs haven't helped - at least not for long. She's had 2 suicide attempts within 8 months.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 8:07am
I'm so sorry about your mom. I knew someone from work who had ECT done. He was in really bad shape and the treatments were a great success for him. I hope this holds true for your mom. Good luck and please check back in with us and let us know how it goes.(((HUGS))) ~Jenn
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 9:41am
Hi Denise, I have had ECT twice. The first time was in June of 2001. They did 7 and then decided it wasn't helping. This was after a few years of many different meds and suicide attempts. I had ECT again just a few months ago. This time I had 8 before they stopped them. Again, it didn't help----HOWEVER----from what I understand it does help in most cases. The first Ect gave me a severe headache both times----but after that there were really no problems. I had short term memory problems, but again, it wasn't really a problem. I hope this helps your mom. Good luck to her and to you. I know it is hard on the relatives who have to 'go thru it' too. Debbie