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Anyone have a spouse undergoing ECT treatment or yourself?
My husband is in the middle of a severe, recurrent, major depression. He is 72. His depression began in August ‘23. He has experienced depressive episodes over the years, but never one lasting this long. His doctor has recommended ECT, he begins next week. Anyone had a good outcome? I hope it helps. It is so difficult not to become depressed, especially after trying to be supportive for 2 years +. We have grandchildren. We miss out on so much of life. He used to be active, now he mostly sleeps.
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@earline14 I can see hope for you because you realize that your relationships are difficult. Some don’t
Good luck with your therapy
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1 Reaction@gravity3
Not aware of this thank you very much for the information! =)
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1 Reaction@earline14 Years ago I worked in a hospital unit where that was occasionally used. I had read about it in college and didn’t have a particularly good view of it. Boy was I wrong. I saw so many cases of depression turn completely around. Good luck.
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2 ReactionsMy father had ECT back in the 70s after a horrible bout with bipolar disease - debilitating depression - snapped out of it immediately. However, his short term memory was severely affected and his personality changed. A few years later, lithium therapy came out and it proved much better for him. He's been gone for many years, but in hindsight, I wish we would have gone slower with the ECT and had the lithium therapy earlier. Hopefully today's ECT protocols are more moderate.
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2 Reactions@johneckenrode11 thank you very much for your reply. I discussed the ECT procedure and protocols with my husband’s provider. As a nurse I have seen ECT patients; before, during and after treatment in the 80’s. So much has changed in the 90’s and 2000’s. It is much more safe for the patient. Not only has ECT changed, but the anesthesia and equipment have advanced also.?Thank you, again =)