I was just in the hospital from the beginning of April until the middle of May. I was depressed and suicidal. Medications alone were not working for me any longer. My doctor suggested we try ECT since we were not seeing success with medications and talk therapy alone.
ECT has been extremely effective at lifting my deep, dark and suicidal depression. The first 8 treatments didn't really produce any marked results. The treatments from 8 until the present have indeed been life altering. I feel more hopeful. The depression has lifted markedly. Friends report that my face is more animated and that I appear more cheerful. ECT is really working.
I have had a few side effects from the treatment that have been troublesome. The first most prominent side effect is that after treatment I am left with a considerable headache. This headache will often last 24 to 48 hours.
The other side effect has been some problems with my short term memory and post treatment confusion. The confusion normally clears within 12 to 24 hours. The memory loss issues have been a little more long lasting. I have been told the memory loss will correct itself as the treatments lessen.
All in all I would highly recommend ECT treatment for people who are suffering with depression that is resisting medication treatment. It has made an enormous difference in my management of my mood.
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