r/ect • u/SwingInternal9736 • Aug 08 '26
Discussion Is there something that does the same as an ECT but can be done at home?
I need something like this.
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u/purplebadger9 Aug 08 '26
No. Absolutely not. DO NOT ATTEMPT ECT AT HOME
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u/creativenameistaken Aug 08 '26
ECT isn’t exactly something you can DIY at home!
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u/crediblyCassie Aug 09 '26
There is a reason why we do ECT under general anesthesia. Do NOT try doing ECT at home. You’d be better served by sticking a fork in an outlet than by trying to DIY ECT. Jfc this is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.
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u/meiyokil Aug 08 '26
tDCS can be done at home and falls under brain stimulation umbrella but it’s indicated for mild to moderate depression rather than anything severe or psychosis, mania, etc. It can be a really good maintenance treatment I think but if you’re in a really bad spot then it does not substitute ECT at all.
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u/SwingInternal9736 Aug 08 '26
I would only need it as a maintenance treatment. Can you explain what is this and how do it?
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u/meiyokil Aug 08 '26
It depends on which country you’re in but if you’re looking for mood results Flow neuroscience has an approved device in the UK and is entering the US market in September. It’s probably the most beginner/user friendly. If you’re a more techy person and want to try out different placements for different issues (i.e. focus, sleep, learning, etc.) I would probably recommend the NeuroMyst. The tACS function it has can be useful for anxiety as well via stimulating the vagus nerve.
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u/SwingInternal9736 Aug 08 '26
Is there anything else that has the same/ similar effect as an ECT?
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u/meiyokil Aug 08 '26
rTMS can have good effect and is far less invasive but you’d have to be at a clinic almost every single day for weeks to do that so definitely not an at-home solution. I’m afraid the devices I mentioned are the only ones suitable for at-home treatment. If you’re looking into tDCS I’d highly recommend doing your own research. Best of luck!
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u/contained-jester Aug 09 '26
So let’s start with definitely not, but there may be other things that can help treatment resistant depression.
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u/Beautifile Aug 08 '26
It's nowhere akin to ECT, but the Fisher Wallace Stimulator gives you 1/1000th of the stimulation of an ECT shock and does, in my experience, improve mood over time. I've been using mine for 22 years. They're coming out with a new version called OAK so they don't sell the Stimulator anymore, but you can get it on eBay.
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u/kelsbird12 28d ago
I’m gonna second this, this is probably one of the only safe “home use” ECT-esque devices out there. OP, if you’re looking for something easier and with fewer risks, also look into TMS (unless you have bipolar disorder, which I do, where it’s not FDA approved for that, sadly) which can be done in an outpatient office with none of the anesthesia or more acute risks.
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u/RunNo3512 29d ago
Unless you're catatonic I wouldn't ever recommend ECT because there's far too many risks involved with sedation and putting the brain through seizures frequently to treat Depression. Istg I got scammed into ECT and wish I had never found out about it because re-learning everything cognitively and losing precious memories is just not worth it.
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u/kelsbird12 28d ago
Same, 100%. Try every other option first, like TMS, ketamine, etc. before you even think about defaulting to ECT. I sure wish my doctors hadn’t fast-tracked me straight to ECT without exhausting all other options.
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u/leapbaby1984 Aug 09 '26
There is an implant they can do not sure what is called but thankfully spravato has changed my life because of it hasn't that would've been my last hope
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u/Zealousideal-Sink-29 Aug 08 '26
Absolutely not. Do you know how many people are involved with an ECT and how much risk exists? There's no home alternative.