ECT was administered to me (6 doses) for clinical depression, which worked, but also helped with Parkinson symptons ((by accident !). The usual meds for PD is what caused the bipolar reaction in the first place (both manic and depression). Any thing that creates more dopamine causes a bipolar reaction for me. Neurologist and family doc both say, drop the Parkinson meds, anything that creates dopamine cannot be tolerated.

Hi Ed,

I would be interested in knowing over how long a period ECT was administered to you, at what point in the treatment you began to feel benefits, and how long the improvement in symptoms (for depression and for PD) lasted. Also, can you say anything about the experience of ECT? How did it feel to have the procedure and immediately afterwards?

I'd be curious to know if you and your doctors consider ECT a viable alternative for the PD meds you can't tolerate.

Hope things are going well for you--

Thanks,
Kathleen

Are the people connected to this thread, post on ECT, still here?
Can anyone provide more info on ECT and Parkinson's.
My wife, who is hospitalized for PD, L-dopa psychosis, and I talked to a Psychiatrist today. He is recommending ECT for depression. This is a roundabout way of treating PD for insurance purpose's. He said he has had 2 PD patients who have responded well. My wife may not qualify for DBS so ECT seems worth trying. Any comments?