Bipolar and ECT Treatments

I am new to this community. I don't want to post too much information about my experience with ECT, since I believe it is atypical and ECT can be helpful......but, after about 25 or so treatments I experienced a deep delirium. My actual experience with the ECT was traumatic, perhaps because of things in my past....like each time I went was very upsetting. After the delirium and the ECT was stopped my life changed dramatically for the worse because of the after effects both mentally, emotionally, physically and on my ability to just go back to my life -- which I am still working at. Employment wise and just quality of life. I am single without much support and EVERYTHING has been a struggle. ECT changed my life in an extremely negative way. But, like I said, I can't speak for all. Perhaps I am a rare case.....otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it. It must be successful for some. I have read it has changed people's lives in the completely opposite direction as it changed mine. It has been maybe 1 1/2 since my last ECT treatment.

@sadeyes True about ECT's not being for everyone. Have you discussed other treatments with your doctor?? If something was not helping you would know. Are you familiar CBT? I am not bipolar, but do have chronic major depression as well as PTSD. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been helpful for me. A thought.

@sadeyes Welcome to Mayo Connect. We welcome all here, and as you say, each person is different. It is important that we hear the experiences of others, good or bad, as it assists us in our journey, truly it does! By listening we can find others whom have had similar things happen and also we can learn about different ways to treat situations. While ECT did not work beneficially for you, I hope that you will find a treatment option that will. Have there been other things you have tried? Please come back to our cyber table and let us know how you are doing.
Ginger

Hi @sadeyes Just wanted to share my experience with ECT. Am bipolar, medication resistant and after 13 treatments found no relief. The one thing I realize I must do to try and keep my head above the clouds is talk therapy. I force myself (literally) to get out and walk even if just 5 minutes. Music helps at times but no real hard and fast rule for me. I encourage you to keep trying and glad you've joined this group.

Hi, @marjou - thank you for offering your experience with ECT. Sounds like talk therapy has been very beneficial for you. How did you find the right therapist to work with?

@mrser52 - how are things going with the short-term memory loss you experienced?

Thank you very much. I go to my psychotherapist twice a week. Thank you for your encouragement. I like music, too.

Some memory has come back with time.
I read somewhere that in searching for a therapist (or any doctor), that we as patients conduct an interview as well of prospective doctor. I used to view as one sided interview more so as doctor/patient. At one so called initial meeting (or interview) I had provided doctor or therapist a synopsis or overview of medical treatment, diagnosis, medications up to that point and see what their viewpoint or other optional treatments. Had a couple of questions or issues that were important to me and listened to their answer. There also needs to be mutual listening, respect and understanding for both parties. Most of all is there a plan, expectations, or goal in mind. A lot to consider. Hope this is helpful.

Hi, @mrser52 - thinking of you and the nausea you had mentioned you were dealing with. How is that going?

@mrser52 Hello Elaine,

You last posted over a year ago, and I was wondering about your recovery from the ECT treatments. I would enjoy hearing from you.

Will you post an update as you are able?

I've had ECT treatments but for me there was no improvement for my depression. Did have some short term memory loss.