When I think of ECT I think of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Or Frankenstein awakening his monster. Lightning bolts and sparks and convulsing and screaming and power going out. When the doctor suggested it as a possibility I refused it out right. Are you crazy? I’m not that insane. I’m not Frankenstein insane. But I am and I don’t think ECT it’s as bad as all that.

My preconceived notions are I’ll lose my memory entirely. I’ll become a different person. I might die. I’m bbqing my brain. It won’t work. It’s medieval. Plus the stigma. You’re so bad you had to have ECT? I had a peer in DBSA have amazing success with it when I was young. Cured his depression. I didn’t know until now it was approved for mania as well as depression.

What do I know about ECT? Not much, but there is memory loss during the time of ECT. Memory loss can be more on going though. But much more rare. The ECT in some cases can reverse manic depression as in never need meds again. But realistically I could look at lowering the medications substantially. Sometimes there are maintenance treatments like weekly, monthly, or more. ECT can be used in lieu of medications as well. I can’t live with the side-effects of the medications and some of the effect-effects.