It sounds like something out of an old psychiatric hospital, yet it’s still being used today. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, remains one of the most debated treatments in modern psychiatry, as as stated by Cambridge University. Some see it as lifesaving, while others as outdated and dangerous.
5 Likes
More than a few psychs inpatient and outpatient have recommended I get ECT. But I have refused because I am scared of the side effects, mainly memory loss. But I know personally some people who’ve had it and it has helped them at a cost. But for me I refuse. I hope all who use it have great success and little bad effects. It’s just not something I would agree to.
4 Likes
Even if i was proposed the option to get ECT done, i think, me and my family will advise me not to do it. But, it amazes me that it is still done today! I thought it got banned from modern medicine.
2 Likes
This is a regular,heated topic on X. With psychiatrists saying it can be a lifesaver when a person has severe depression vs antipsych psychologists who’d like to see it stopped.
1 Like
I think its good, if you’re treatment resistant to depression.
I don’t think it’s an ideal treatment. There are real costs, and downsides.
2 Likes
I’m currently in the middle of a course of outpatient ECT, continued from when they started it as an inpatient. I think it helps the most with suicidal ideation and depression…I don’t like the memory side effects or the fact that I have to fly 300 miles for treatment, but I like the treatments and have established a good relationship with the doctor who gives me the treatments. It’s not for everybody, but it can be a lifesaver. I’m glad that I’m receiving it.
1 Like
In 1992 I was severely depressed and suicidal and nothing was working. I literally got down on my knees and begged my pdocs (yes plural) for ECT treatments. They said, No, it would not work for “your kind of depression”. I never did find out what my kind of depression was. Heartbreak?? Grief??
2 Likes