Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy?

Subject: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:26 am

I was curious if anyone would be willing to try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT/shock treatment) if it came down to it being a viable option?

I had been encouraged to do it, but I'm really not ashamed to say that I didn't want to and probably never would. How about you?

Subject: Re: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:32 am

OMG, I have to say "NO".....the very thought of electoconculsive therapy scares the hell out of me....after working many years as a nurse in a nursing home...I have had the opportunity to see some of the affects of this...of course, these people received this method of "therapy" many many years ago and surely there has been improvements since then....BUT for me, personally, NEVER!!!

Hugs

Subject: Re: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:59 am

I chose no. I would be too scared to try this, the very thought creeps me out pale

Love and Hugs
Aleia

Subject: Re: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Wed Jan 23, 2008 6:11 am

Mad Jack wrote:: I was curious if anyone would be willing to try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT/shock treatment) if it came down to it being a viable option?

It doesn't help with PTSD, so I'd have to say 'no.'

However, my Aunt had it done (she has been diagnosed with a whole heap of things), and I must say it has generally improved her mood. Sadly, she had it done in the caveman days where they didn't sedate people OR control the voltage as well as they do today... so she also has permanent physical side effects to a very serious degree, as well as tremors.

Basically, she's better emotionally able to handle the way it left her. *rolls eyes*

I think it can work, but it's so extreme that I would suggest trying every other method of therapy first.

I also don't think some of the side effects are worth it.

Subject: Re: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:36 pm

*HUGS* for your Aunt.

I researched a shitload about it when they were suggesting it. I'm quite glad that I didn't opt for it...even though most of what you read is 'good'. I think that I would just rather treat the mood problems in another way. Besides, I'm not convinced (knowing my 'real' diagnosis now...I was diagnosed BPI at the time) that it wouldn't have messed with my other symptoms.

I have to agree with you in exhausting all other options first.

Subject: Re: Would You Try Electroconvulsive Therapy? Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:10 am

I have been offered ECT.

I turned it down flat.

Something about electricity and the sensitive electro impulses in the brain being tampered with to that degree....

I'll remain Bipolar as I am thank you.

Shaker Number of posts : 55 Age : 57 Registration date : 2008-01-11

NO. I don't care if it proves to be the best treatment for what I have. NO. I just don't want anyone messing about with the fine electrical balance of my body. Oh GAWD, what if you got addicted??? Shocked