mistreatment of ECT
 

I recently had over 40 ECT treatments in 3 1/2 months. I now have a lot of side effects I believe are related to this overtreatment. These include impaired memory, both recent and distant past, impaired senses of smell and taste, nausea, headaches, severe muscle pain and cramps or spasms, and I have developed tenosynovitis in both my thumbs, a result of gripping too tightly(as in induced seizures?). I want to know, firstly, if anyone out there has ever heard of this many ECTs in 3 months. And secondly, are these side effects something others have heard of or experienced? I,m really desperate to find an honest and objective psychiatrist or other knowledgeble medical person who can help me with these questions. Thank you. And by the way, these treatments did nothing for my depression.

Hi Margaret

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

I am sorry to read about your experience with ECT.

I am in remission from Major Depressive Disorder and used to go to a weekly therapy group for people with mood disorders.

Another member of the group, with treatment-resistant depression, reported that she had found Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) very effective for her.

TMS is an option which might be worth investigating.

Best wishes.