Scamper61 asked this question on 4/12/2000:
I had a liver transplant 1-6-99. I have been very depressed which is causing me to feel sick. My doctors are talking about shock treatment to get rid of the depression. I want to know if it works and how I wood feel afterwords.
If you can tell me this I would be very greatful. Please E-Mail me at Scamper61@aol.com Thank you
richardwross gave this response on 4/12/2000:
ECT (shock treatment) does work for depression but it is usually considered as a last resort. The success rate is high. There are also a large number of possible complications.It is however quite safe now compared to 15-20 years ago.
Ofton people have some short tearm memory loss and mild confusion. Most people find this is transient. More serious complaints are rare.
Scamper61 asked this follow-up question on 4/12/2000:
I am 63 years old and I am undecided if I should have shock treatment. I don't want my mind ruined, but the way I am now I don't feel like doing anything or going any place. I feel that if I have to be like this I would rather have died when I had the transplant. I am certainly not enjoying life.Please tell me more about shock treatment. If I decide to go along with the doctors and have shock treatment I don't want to become a blithering idiot. Scamper61@aol.com
Scamper61 asked this follow-up question on 4/12/2000:
If I have the shock treatment will I be funny or will I be ok? The way it is now I am very tired all of the time, I don't feel like doing anything, I don't feel like going any where. I feel sick all of the time and the doctors say it is from depression. I want to be able to do things go places. My sister had it done many years ago and it kind of made her child like. Do you think it has changed any now? Please tell me everything you know about it. Please E-Mail me at Scamper61@aol.com Thanks for helping me.
richardwross gave this response on 4/13/2000:
There are no 100% guarantees. The likelyhood of you suffering any serious problems are small but they exist. As with any therapy you weigh the risks against the benefits. If you have tried all reasonable alternatives and you continue to feel as bad as you say then ECT becomes a more appropriate and reasonable choice. Usually you are given a muscle relaxant so you don't damage yourself during ECT. The placement of the electrodes and the control of the current are much more precise these days. The current starts a convulsion activity in the brain. The reason for the muscle relaxants is so there is not the muscle movement normally associated with a convulsion. Usually there are several treatments given over 7-10 days. After a few more days most patients feel quite well. ECT probably has the highest success rate treating depression of all current therapies but the reason it is a last resort is because of the higher risk associated with it.
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Scamper61 rated this answer a 4.
Thank you, please E-Mail me