Posted by shar on August 24, 2000, at 15:40:31
In reply to Shock treatment - anyone with experience?, posted by Lumen on August 24, 2000, at 6:08:22
I have not had shock treatments, however before I would turn to ECT, I would definitely be sure my son had a very thorough psych workup, and careful documentation of all meds he's tried (name, amt, for how long, side effects, etc.). Also, checks on things like thyroid etc. that can cause depression.
Many (most) antidepressants don't really kick in until 4-8 weeks of use. Be sure enough time is given to give the drug a good trial. If he can't sleep, there are meds that can help with that (such as Klonopin and others) that are not "sleeping pills" type. And, it's necessary for him to stick to his regimen (Take as he should).
Also, is he seeing a psychopharmacologist--someone who knows a lot about psych meds and maybe specializes in it? Not all docs do, not even all psychiatrists--they are MDs, but not necessarily overly familiar with meds.
Finally, it often (very often) takes more than one try to find a good med or combination of meds for providing relief with no side effects (or at least with minimal side effects). I would definitely want to give meds a few more tries before ECT.
Some people have had very bad bad bad ECT experiences, and some people report benefits. Since you don't know how it will go with your son, the meds might be a better choice for now. But, I admit I am biased slightly against ECT because of the few people I know that have had it, and how it affected them (badly).
Best of luck. Keep posting here with questions, there are some very knowledgeable people here.
Shar
> My son (22) has been taking celexa and resperdal (two weeks). He is in hospital due to suicidal thoughts (one very serious attempt)and inability to do everyday things or concentrate on anything. Problem began about a year and a half ago while away at university. The medication is not working and is affecting his ability to sleep and making him unable "to be comfortable". Previously on luvox which did not help. The doctor has suggested shock treatment (ECT)if he does not respond to drugs. Anyone with experience of this, or comments?
poster:shar
thread:43616
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/43646.html