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ECT Treatment

ladolcevitaCasual Contributor30 June 2018, 1:50 am AEST

ECT Treatment

Hi there,

My aunt has been suffering from severe depression, anxiety and more recently suicidal thoughts for the last 8 years. her conditions have become drastically worse in the last little while. She has taken a leave from her job as general counsel at a major company - she tried ECT treatment and stopped after 2 sessions. She experienced memory loss instantly and was terrified that if she continues the treatment she would no longer be able to be the highly functioning proffessional she is.

I have promised her to try and find someone she can talk to who has done the treatment and is still able to function in their proffession. I know this may be a long shot but i thought i would reach out here with the hopes of finding someone.

help?

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In response to: ECT Treatment

JW1994Casual Contributor02 Feb 2020, 4:53 am AEDT

Re: ECT Treatment

Hi I was just wondering I'm not sure if I'm allowed to ask for advice but is there anywhere in NSW that anyone on here knows of that administers ECT? I have tried Googling for months trying to find somewhere that offers this treatment. I found one place in Melbourne but i don't think i will be able to go through them as i think I have to go through there psychologists and I am unsure if they even offer this option or just have information on the procedure. I feel like this treatment would be a good option as i have been in hospital twice and my medication doesn't seem to be working. Any help would be greatly appreciated from anyone.

Thank you

Sorry again if this isnt allowed.

In response to: ECT Treatment

JW1994Casual Contributor02 Feb 2020, 4:56 am AEDT

Re: ECT Treatment

Thank you

Sorry again if this isnt allowed.

In response to: Re: ECT Treatment

Unknown userMember02 Feb 2020, 9:19 am AEDT

Re: ECT Treatment

Hi @JW1994

You need to speak to your psychiatrist about ECT.

From NSW Health

" The Act requires that in the case of voluntary patients, at least two medical practitioners (at least one of whom must be a psychiatrist) agree that the person can give informed consent and that the treatment is “reasonable and proper … and … necessary or desirable for the safety or welfare of the person” (s93). If the authorised medical officer is unsure whether a patient is capable of giving informed consent, they may apply to the Mental Health Review Tribunal for a determination."

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/consumers/pages/electro-therapy.aspx

In response to: Re: ECT Treatment

JW1994Casual Contributor02 Feb 2020, 3:43 pm AEDT

Re: ECT Treatment

Hi thank you for the info I feel like this is my only option as I have tried several cocktails and medication. I will speak with my psychiatrist when i see them. I really hope I am eligible.

Also I was wondering how does the procedure go about. Is it one day as an inpatient or as a few weeks stay. I am only asking as i have a job and rent and cant leave my work despite how stressed and depressed i am due to me and my partner. Sorry if this sounds like I am not eligible I would leave work if i could.

Thank you

In response to: Re: ECT Treatment

Unknown userMember02 Feb 2020, 4:45 pm AEDT

Re: ECT Treatment

@JW1994

Your psychiatrist will be able to advise if they feel ECT is suitable for you and the practicalities involved.

When my husband had it he was an inpatient but did have some maintenance ECT as an outpatient in the day stay unit.

As with all treatment understanding risk vs benefit is necessary and I would certainly be asking the pdoc if your desired outcome is realistic.

This brochure explains a bit about ECT.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/getmedia/65a66a6d-2e62-4844-8997-98aa398105d0/Electroconvulsive-therapy-YHIM.pdf.aspx%3Fext%3D.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiGhNPLj7LnAhWNXCsKHRJhBBEQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw0zBPTP7D1Gdqk4r-Mke_dZ

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