![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Thrud on May 16, 2001, at 6:40:24
Hi Cam,
I was doing an archive search on ECT when I came upon one of your threads where you mentioned that you had not undergone ECT but work with many who had.
I have questions regarding the use of ECT on a maintenance basis. If you know people who receive MECT, have they given you any feedback on costs vs benefits, and if so, what were they?
In your post you said that the memory disturbances were generally minimal and lasted less than a week. Do you feel that in general this disturbance is enough to preclude you from professional work? I understand that individuals vary greatly in their response: I am trying to get a 'general' feel which your experience may be able to provide.
I thank you very much for your time and hope I haven't been a burden.Thrud
Posted by Cam W. on May 16, 2001, at 9:19:17
In reply to ECT- to Cam W, posted by Thrud on May 16, 2001, at 6:40:24
Thrud - Although I work with people who have had ECT, I have never seen a procedure done. Therefore, others on this board may be able to give personal accounts that are much better than my second-hand accounts. Another caveat is that I am a pharamcist and am more comfortable talking about drugs.
The mental confusion caused by ECT seems to abate in a day or two, but I would want to take a day or two off before making any big decisions or have someone who is close to you help you fake it for a day or two. You would have to ask a few people who have experienced ECT to tell how much their cognition was impaired.
As for a risk-benefit analysis. ECT is the best antidepressant we have. It is scary because it looks that way and because of media hype. From the people I have talked to, the benefits of ECT far outweigh the risks. People have told me that they feel the ECT is worth it.
There is a new procedure that is in the early phases of testing. It is called seizuire inducing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). They have been able to induce seizures using TMS and early reports say that the magnetic pulse isn't impeded by the skull the way electricity, so they can focus the seizure to the desired area more precisely (ie certain areas of the temporal lobe). This is still probably a few years to ten years away from clinical use. As of now, ECT is the most powerful mood altering clinical tool that we have.
Sorry that I am not much help. People have strong views when it comes to things that scare them. Take all criticism and cudos with a grain of salt. I would suggest going into the ECT and following maintenance treatments with an empty head (ie no preconceived notions - perhaps an empty head is easier for me). This will allow you to use yourself as a guinea pig....er, experimental model, and to make the judgements as to efficacy and side effects. By listing the pluses and minuses of ECT, you should be able to come to a judgement as to whether ECT is right for you.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
Posted by mila on May 16, 2001, at 10:08:33
In reply to Re: ECT- to Cam W and others » Thrud, posted by Cam W. on May 16, 2001, at 9:19:17
COOL post, Cam, I really enjoyed it.
thanksmila
Posted by Thrud on May 16, 2001, at 19:55:08
In reply to Re: ECT- to Cam W and others » Thrud, posted by Cam W. on May 16, 2001, at 9:19:17
I agree with Mila. An excellent posting. Thank you very much.
Thrud
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.