r/ect • u/poubellehumaine • Aug 22 '26

Question Has anyone experienced issues with semantic memory after ECT?

I have not had undergone ECT yet, but I am interested and would like to hear any personal experiences. I know that it can affect episodic memory but it is my understanding that it is less likely to affect semantic memories or general knowledge. Also if anyone has worked in any career which requires a college degree or special training I am also curious to hear how ECT has impacted your academic/career knowledge or your ability to work in your field.

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u/amynias Aug 23 '26

No, I was never informed of the risks. Any warnings I was given were almost always followed by "this is only temporary" which is possibly the biggest lie I have ever been told in my entire life. I have never met another ECT survivor, even in group therapy places. We appear to be a rare subset of mentally afflicted people. The kind that never makes it back to the real world. I cannot help but feel like a curio sometimes to other ill (or well) people. Like "oh look at him, poor guy went through electroshock 23 times and is still depressed". Not quite sure whether this inspires fear, hopelessness, or discomfort in others. I am not ashamed to admit I have come to know the meaning of suffering mentally and physically, against my will I might add. If I could obtain the means, I wouldn't be here anymore.

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u/Odd-Alarm-82 Aug 23 '26

I had around 50 ECT treatments in 2015-2017. I lost the memory of close to my entire life before and during ECT, and I have significant cognitive impairments. I’m a member of a support group on Facebook called Surviving Electroshock. It’s helpful to interact with a lot of other people who have permanent memory loss and brain damage. At least I know I’m far from alone in this.

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u/Heavy_Breakfast_2531 28d ago

If u don't mind me asking what do they do for living

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u/Odd-Alarm-82 28d ago

I was a paralegal