ECT

Do your own research, @Rosy21. Research possible side effects on the internet, and do a thorough appraisal for yourself. Be master of your own health and healthcare.

Hi @Historylover , I find that talking to other people about their experiences helps.

Welcome, @Rosy21 ...I haven't had ECT but will tag some people who have... @Eve7 @Snowie @Bow

Hi @Rosy21 i had ECT about 18yrs ago and I think it helped me. But it has affected my memory long term.

I am currently in hospital at the moment with the plan to start ECT on Friday. It is apparently done differently now, and as a result doesn’t affect memory as much. Fingers crossed it doesn’t!

Hi @Rosy21 and welcome to the Sane Forums.

I am a bit like @Historylover and you need to do your own research and ask questions at your appointments. But as @NatureLover has said, it is nice talking to people that have had it.

I have had ECT quite a number of times over the last 3 years. Some of this was done as an inpatient and some as an outpatient.

I just finished a round of ECT about a month ago. I was in hospital for most of it and was having it 3 times a week. After 4 weeks of it, I ended up having it once per week as an outpatient. I have now stopped it.

I will have to say that it affected my short term memory a lot this time. But I do know that there are different types and strengths of ECT, so it does depend on that also. However, just because if affected me like this, doesn't mean it will for you. Everyone is different.

If it was me, I would ask my psychiatrist what type of ECT it is and what strength it is. I would also ask them about the short term and long term effects it will have on my memory.

Like anything else, it comes with it's own pros and cons.

I hope this has helped.