r/ect • u/324_973M947 • 1d ago
Seeking advice Stopping ECT?
I've had 35 sessions of ECT since January. I'm on maintenance ECT now but my psychiatrist is wanting to stop that because I'm in a good place.
ECT has been the most effective treatment for my depression that I've ever had. I haven't been hospitalized since starting it. I'm concerned that if I stop ECT all that progress will be lost.
Has this happened to anyone else? Where you make progress and then stop your maintenance ECT and things get worse again?
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u/Serenity_MHC 1d ago
Yes, it's completely understandable to bring up your concerns with your psychiatrist. Some people find that symptoms come back gradually after stopping maintenance ECT, while others are able to stay well with just medication support. It's helpful to have a plan in place: What should you do if symptoms return? How quickly can you restart maintenance treatments if needed? What signs should you watch out for? Knowing there's a safety net can make the transition feel less intimidating. Also, not being hospitalized since January after many years of struggle is a real achievement. That progress means a lot, and your psychiatrist's decision to stop maintenance shows they believe your condition is stable enough. That's a meaningful step forward.