Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Announcements

Are you on Antidepressants and Frustrated that you can't Lose Weight?

Visit our Crisis Assistance Link for resources. For immediate help, get to the ER.

If you think you may have a Borderline Personality Disorder, please read this link shared here. Also, Topic Overview.

*No Dr Outside Contact Please*
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Dr G
avatar
shania09 posted:
I was wondering what you thought of electroshock Therapy for BP 1 or 2? Or even for just depression. Does it actually help? Or do you still have to be on meds? Are there any side effects?If so what are they and how bad is it??
I have been wondering about maybe getting this treatment, and is it worth it? Thank you
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.....
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Dr GI was wondering what you thought of electroshock Therapy for BP 1 or 2? Or even for just depression. Does it actually help? Or do you still have to be on meds? Are there any side effects?If so what are they and how bad is it?? <br />I have been wondering about maybe getting this treatment, and is it worth it? Thank you
Reply
 
avatar
Joseph F Goldberg, MD responded:
Dear Shania,

ECT remains the most effective known treatment bar none for depression, whether unipolar or bipolar. It is also extremely effective for mania, and is the treatment of choice for psychotic depression. Side effects typically include headache and possible cognitive/memory problems for around the time of the treatments, depending on how the ECT is adminstered. ECT can resolve an acute depression but typically the depression will come back unless either an effective relapse-prevention medicine is used or else ECT is sometimes administered once or twice a month as a maintenance therapy. Your doctor would obviously be the right person to advise you if ECT is indicated and appropriate for your condition.

- Dr. G.
Report This| Share this:Dr GDear Shania,<br /> <br />ECT remains the most effective known treatment bar none for depression, whether unipolar or bipolar. It is also extremely effective for mania, and is the treatment of choice for psychotic depression. Side effects typically include headache and possible cognitive/memory problems for around the time of the treatments, depending on how the ECT is adminstered. ECT can resolve an acute depression but typically the depression will come back unless either an effective relapse-prevention medicine is used or else ECT is sometimes administered once or twice a month as a maintenance therapy. Your doctor would obviously be the right person to advise you if ECT is indicated and appropriate for your condition.<br /> <br />- Dr. G.
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Mental Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

There are no Expert stories for this community right now

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Screen out people who can't seem to "get it"....
There are some people who can't or won't understand at all. My wife is bipolar, and some people are more understanding than others. We ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
31 of 37 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.