I’ve had ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) - AMA

[Balloonsandroses]

I’ve had ECT twice now - I know it has a scary reputation and I was scared before having it so just wondered if anyone wanted to ask anything.

It was the only thing that helped my late DM who started suffering mental breakdowns in the 1960’s. She had to be hospitalised for long periods and had regular treatment. When she came home everything was fine for a few years, but even with regular medication, she would slip back into depression. When we were in our teens we knew the signs to look out for and could get into hospital before she had a complete breakdown. Unfortunately the last time they tried it, when she was 60, it didn’t work and she was never really with it after that time and lived a simple, happy life. I look back now and think she would be diagnosed as manic depressive.

Are you still around OP?
Have a few questions for you or indeed anyone in the UK who's had ECT if possible.

I am here, ECT didn't work for me though.

How bad were you before you were offered ECT?
Did they make you try different medications and talking therapy before they recommended it?

I had been ill since soon after my son's birth so that was February. I had had so many antidepressants, I was taking above maximum recommended dose they were coupled with antipsychotics, lithium, tranquilisers and sleeping tablets. The psychiatrist commented I took enough medication to fell a horse but it had no effect I still didn't sleep. I didn't have talking therapies as such, I saw the psychiatrist weekly and the CPN once or twice a week. It was a last ditch option tbh and that began in the January so 11 months later. I had 12 sessions at the last one I was sectioned. I spent 28 days in hospital where they tweaked medication. I later came off all meds with psychiatrist support, he thought I would always need them, I didn't want to take them. I've never needed anything since, I even had another baby with no issues.