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What Are The Long Term Side Affects Of ECT?
Question: Hello, I'm curious to know log term side effects of ECT? I have done it twice before. I was 17 and I think 19 when I have done it. Since then though I have had memory problems and it seems recently it has been getting worse. I can't remember certain people's name like family members or people I just met. I sometimes forget what I'm doing at times. I also have been very irritable lately as well. It's very unusual for me to behave like this and it concerns me. I do see a psychiatrist, although I only get to meet with her only once every three months. I have a hard time talking to her because I fear she will force into a institution where I will be drugged up and locked away at Ridgeview. I am a 23 year old male, I weigh 145 pounds. I only take one medication which is a generic for Seroquel and I take 100mg at night for sleep.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
To answer your question succinctly, there are no long-term side effects of ECT for the vast majority of people. ECT is a very safe and very effective treatment. Side effects that can happen during the course of treatment include short-term memory loss, muscle aches, nausea, and these are usually related to the anesthetic used rather than ECT itself. In some people with underlying neurological disorders, or who have undergone bilateral rather than unilateral ECT, memory can be more affected long-term. However, ECT does not cause someone to forget things they have already learned, such as names of family members. It is likely coincidental rather than related to ECT.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
To answer your question succinctly, there are no long-term side effects of ECT for the vast majority of people. ECT is a very safe and very effective treatment. Side effects that can happen during the course of treatment include short-term memory loss, muscle aches, nausea, and these are usually related to the anesthetic used rather than ECT itself. In some people with underlying neurological disorders, or who have undergone bilateral rather than unilateral ECT, memory can be more affected long-term. However, ECT does not cause someone to forget things they have already learned, such as names of family members. It is likely coincidental rather than related to ECT.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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