Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ringwood, UK

In 2009 I had major depression. Had 50 ECT treatments in 10 months! Anyone else who had that many in that time?? So far never met anyone with same experience. Suffered severe long term memory loss.

October 11, 2016
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members came together to share their experiences with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), with many relating to the original question about... Read more

Members came together to share their experiences with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), with many relating to the original question about having a high number of treatments and the resulting memory loss. Several members described treatment counts ranging from 15 to over 130 sessions, with many reporting significant short and long-term memory loss, including forgetting major life events. A recurring theme was that despite the difficult side effects, most felt ECT saved their lives when nothing else worked, framing it as a hard but necessary trade-off.

A MyDepressionTeam Member

I have had many series of ECT over the years and it has saved my life more than once. I was fortunate to not experience the memory loss and if suicidal or severly depressed I would do it again in a second. However, everyone is different. When nothing else is working it is my "go to" treatment. I think even if I had mild memory loss, esp if it returned with in a few weeks like it does for many, I would still use them because the only other option for me at that point is to end it all and eCT is a better option for that for me. Best of luck!!

October 13, 2016
A MyDepressionTeam Member

thanks ronelle for sharing your story! It means a lot to me!wonder what they mean with pre existing problem? My memory used to be so good! Am in my late forties and hear a lot of women struggling with their memory. But my memory loss after ECT was so bad,,I had to ask my brother wether I went to my fathers funeral, cannot even remember being there at all! Wish you lots of love and a big hug.!!!!

October 13, 2016
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I had the same treatment. My mood improved. I have extreme long term memory loss. Wondering if there is a way to get those memories back.

February 8, 2020
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I started having ECT back in 2019 and I have a total of 132 treatments

August 2
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I had ECT treatments for 10 years (2000-2010). Treatments started three times a week then were tapered to twice a week, once a week, once a month etc. I did not count my number of treatment sessions but I am sure I am close to 50 if not a few more. My ECT doctor tried to alternate placement of electrodes to hopefully lessen the impact on memory. Even so my short term and long term memory was greatly affected. I have adjusted to the memory loss. It still can be annoying and embarrassing at times but ECT saved my life.

November 5, 2023

Related Questions

View All
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cleveland, OH

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Delta, BC

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Grand Rapids, MI

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In