ECT

[Starry88]

I have had major depressive disorder for years now. I've tried many medications but none of them seemed to help me so my doctor suggested I get ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) to treat my depression. I have recieved quite a few treatments now but my question is: Is there anybody else who has recieved this treatment and did it work for you? How long does it take to work?

[nursegirl6572]

What great info from Annie!  I'm glad she answered, as she was able to share her own personakl experience.  Best of luck to you!

[Anneinside]

I have had three series of treatments over the last 6 years. Right now I am on maintenance ECT, once every month. It has worked quite well for me. I have been having ECT regularly since July 2011. Once I did have a period of depression and we did a booster of 6 treatments over two weeks and then went back on maintenance. I have found improvement after about three treatments.

I also use an antidepressant, mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, etc.  The antidepressant is an MAOI, Emsam which is a patch and an old drug. The delivery system is new so it is expensive. I have taken SSRIs, SNRIs and after some time they stopped working. I have been on Emsam since August of 2011. Emsam works on seretonin,norephinephrine, and dopamine.