Hello....my husband underwent sessions of shock treatment back in the 60's. He is now 68 and seems to be "failing" mentally. He is not depressed, however he has very little energy, sleeps a lot, forgets things, and just "is not there" mentally a lot of the time. I have looked up the symptoms of dementia and I don't see much there that resemble him; I am grasping at straws here: just wondering if anyone had any thoughts of this could be a 50 years after effect of the shock treatment? His doctor said he's fine --not depressed: but I live with him every day and see a marked difference in his personality. Any suggestions anyone? Much thanks.

Hi ~ I just did a little research on this, and from what I was able to find out, the only things that stand out in the findings is that patients who have had shock treatment have had cognitive impairments as well as memory losses. The cognitive impairments have not been severe, but of course memory losses are frustrating to the patient. Nothing was said about fatigue or sleeping alot.

I know from experience that ANYONE who tends to sleep alot and has very little energy is most likely depressed, even tho they don't appear to be. I myself have experienced this same thing. I didn't believe I was depressed either, until my doctor put me on an antidepressant ~ and then I found out how I was SUPPOSED to feel!!! I'd been depressed evidently, all my life - since childhood and didn't know how it felt to feel "normal." Thank God I had a doctor who recognized that. So your husband very likely IS depressed - or just to be safe, I'd have him have a physical to make sure his blood work is A-OK.

Best of luck ~ I hope you find an answer to the problem. God bless. Hugs, Lee

I joined this group to discover info about ECT. I had 22 of them in 1972 and my whole life has been ruined. I would like to write a book but I don't know how to begin. I'm interested in knowing about brain and heart damage as well. If any of you have any answers please let me know asap. thank you