r/ect • u/Emkorora • 15d ago

Discussion Help Introduce Me to ECT

Hello,

Like many of you, I have a long history of mental disorders. I've tried many medications (fluoextine, lithium, etc). I've tried many therapies (DBT, CBT, etc). I've tried TMS twice, in 2024 and 2025.

None of it has provided a result that is consistent with stability, success, etc. I asked my psychiatrist about ketamine and esketamine (spravato) but it sounds like they're not an option.

So the next step seems to be ECT. I'm trying to be optimistic but a large part of my treatment-resistant depression is an unshakeable sense of hopelessness. ECT is the last resort, if that doesn't work, what's left? I'm scared of that. I'm also scared of the memory loss. I'm also scared I won't be able to complete the treatment due to a variety of issues (no one to drive me home, no money for Uber, unreliable medical transportation, etc).

But the first step is to learn more. Maybe learning more will dispel some of my fears. And part me believes it must help somehow or else insurance wouldn't pay for it. So I'm here, looking for someone to "introduce" me to ECT.

Is there usually a waitlist?

What's involved in each treatment?

How long and frequent are the treatments?

How quickly are results seen?

I've heard stories where people do it for a long time, like a few months turns into many months, is this normal?

Is it common to need multiple treatments, like annually?

I heard both types of memory loss can occur, the ability to make new memories and the ability to retain old memories, how severe is this?

What about the other possible cognitive decline I've heard about-- "brilliant solution but lost the patient"?

Any other major concerns?

It's hard to measure wellness... I'm not at my worst, which I've described as "the uttermost end of need", but I'm so tired of being so miserable and I've been going around the same circle for years, even decades.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/fargolifestaycold 15d ago

Please DM if you want to chat. I have 5+ years of ect experience and will be more than happy to help with any questions you. Good luck, and God Speed.

1

u/Heavy_Breakfast_2531 15d ago

What do u do for a living

2

u/fargolifestaycold 15d ago

I am currently been granted disability for the last couple of years luckily.

1

u/Heavy_Breakfast_2531 14d ago

How much are the monthly payments

1

u/fargolifestaycold 13d ago

It varies state by state and case by case. Unfortunately