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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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Alt to ECT??
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Alt to ECT??

by joestuf2, Nov 13, 2002 12:00AM
A friend is currently receiving ECT (2nd treatment) but 'heard' something about another treatment 'if this doesn't work'. She stated that it involves something like a 'pacemaker' to the brain, I would assume, to provide electrical type zaps or something.



She mentioned a Dr 'Red' Duke at Houston Medical, but I checked and he is a celebrated trauma surgeon.  Don't think this is his forte'!



Is she confused or is there something similar to this out there and, if so, what is it called and where may I find information on its effectiveness and availability?  



Thanks very much.
Doctor's Answer

by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 14, 2002 12:00AM
I would start with books or articles by one of the world experts.I suggest you go to search engine at look up the author, Max Fink, M.d.
Member Comments (15)

by puma, Nov 14, 2002 12:00AM
To: Siezures § ECT


Are you nuts?



I do not believe in ECT. All you are doing is giving yourself a seizure. GREAT!!!! I've had over 200 seizures in four years. It hasn't changed my depression yet. Although I have to admit, there are times when I feel my brain is pushing the amperage and needs a good sieze to calm it. But to induce it, I only need a strobe light. I would rather take Klonopin and calm it.



I don't want any electric jolt on my brain, I'd probably kill someone. Siezures sometimes make me violent. And I won't hesitate if someone forces me. I think ECT is an archaic method from the old torture days. I'd rather die.



Chatahan......wildcat

by dawning, Nov 14, 2002 12:00AM
As I stated in the below thread, ECT has been very successful for me.  I felt a little 'too good' but it was such a relief to feel vibrant and alive again.  I did receive a 9th treatment today and do feel a little more settled than when I posted.  I would also be interested in knowing if there is something like a "pacemaker" for the brain.  My understanding is that the ECT stimulates the prodution of brain cells.  I am a nurse-midwife and I thanked my Dr. today for 'birthing' braincells.

by puma, Nov 14, 2002 12:00AM
To: Dawning


Good luck Dawning,



Take all the mid jolting seizures you want, I have enough for a lifetime thank you!!!! And don't think you brain won't continue to need that amperage push once it's gets used to it!!!!



Chatahan........wildcat

by puma, Nov 15, 2002 12:00AM
To: Dawning


Dawning,



I can tell you how to have some great seizures. First, ask your Doc for Klonopin. 8-10 mg,s a day for one month. You'd probably sleep through it unless you have a high tolerance like me.



Take it for sIx months then go cold turkey off it.. You will have great strong seizures, it may kill you, mind you, but if seizures is what you want, there you will find them.



JUST BEING SARCASTIC....WILDCAT.....POST ICTAL SUCKS



by CHADDY, Nov 15, 2002 12:00AM
To: joestuf2
I was wondering if this procedure you are asking about is for seizure disorders or what it might treat?  Chad

by puma, Nov 15, 2002 12:00AM
To: Chaddy


Chaddy,



Some psychiatrists suggest it's usage for hard to treat, severe depression. It is illegal here on Guam just as the death penalty is.



My seizures began after improper out-patient alcohol detox for three months. I had 46 seizures and delirium tremons on and off through that time. I guess my brain developed a seizure disorder after having had so many. And no, I don't feel my brain cells increased, in fact I used to have an IQ of 146, now the last time taken while on heavy dose 300 mg's of Codiene, 10 mg's of Klonopin, it registered 79! Where are all those extra brain cells???????



Was the test accurate, some feel not. Were the drugs interfering many say yes, but I now know fluent Native American from the seizures. That is the only good thing I received from them. I have to take the Klonopin to keep from seizing now. The Codiene I quit.



So as far as ECT is concerned all I have to do is stop the Klonopin!!!! pretty simply. I hate seizures and if people think ETC is safe as some Docs claim, think again. Where did my seizure disorder come from? From the seizures I had from alcohol withdrawal. So will the seizures from ECT create a peramnent seizure disorder? Who knows? But you won't be sedated and strapped down with medics all around you to watch so you won't die. Do you want to risk that chance with your brain? It's your choice and life. Take care and good luck.



Chatahan......wildcat

by CHADDY, Nov 16, 2002 12:00AM
I would never think to have something like that for a seizure disorder.  My seizures are under control right now.  I had my first in six months 3 nights ago.  But, I am doing a lot better now so everything is cool with that.  I can live with one every six months as opposed to everyday.  They diagnosed mine when I was 27.  I have been having them since I was a child.  I react to lights, especially multicolored ones and blue strobes.  I am thankful that now it is well, but I went through years of uncertainty about my health.  But, I have faith in God and I knew everything would turn out the way it should, and if it's hard then He will give me strength to get through it.

Lamictal is good for me.  I too used to be on Klonopin, trileptal, tegretol and a bunch of others.  All at separate times of course, but none of them worked until I did the Lamictal.  I have peace about it, most of the time 8-), now and I hope it continues that way.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Chad

by puma, Nov 17, 2002 12:00AM
To: Chaddy
Chaddy,



Strobes get me too. Don't try ECT. You have had enough seizures, you don't need more.



Chatahan.......wildcat

by Sundown, Nov 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: Joestuf2
What you are refering to is a vagal nreve stimulator. It is implanted in a surgical proeedure, with placement similar to a heart pacemaker. It is being used to control seizure disorders, and recent studies SUGGEST it may be helpful in treatment resistant depression. A search on Google will turn up several useful items about it's use. It is EXPERIMENTAL at present for depression, but these early studies do suggest it's efficacy.



Sundown

by joestuf2, Nov 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: sundown
Sundown,

Thanks for actually submitting something that pertains to

my question.

What a disappointment to see that this forum is

nothing but a ***** session from, seemingly, the same couple of

people.



Godspeed to you all.

by CHADDY, Nov 20, 2002 12:00AM
Joestuf2,



Hi, I was asking what it was, this procedure.  That's all I wanted to know.  just F.Y.I.  chaddy