ECT for treatment of GD/BDD ?

[Kira357]

Anyone here heard of or had ECT (electro-convulsive, aka "shock" therapy) for treating depression/dysphoria, specifically from GD/BDD ?

The further I get into transition, the worse my GD/BDD has been getting. I've been on virtually every psych med short of thorazine, a variety of antidepressants included. Nothing works.

I want to try electro-shock therapy, and was wondering if anyone has been treated successfully for GD-related issues. Thanks in advance, ~K.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

I have heard of it for extreme depression. I was writing a paper for a mental health qualification recently which covered it. There is, as far as I can see though, no evidence to support its effectiveness. I have never heard of its use in GD. (nice name btw ;-) )

[Kira357]

Always nice to meet another Kira... you look gorgeous in your avatar, btw !!

Yeah, extreme depression sounds like my situation... I'm getting desperate and willing to try anything. When you studied ECT, there was no evidence it works ?? 

[stephaniec]

I was in a group therapy with an older person who had it done and couldn't remember people in the group. another person had it done for severe depression the same as the previous mentioned person and said memory loss was an issue.

[Sammy]

[sarcasm] It might only be effective if administered on electric chair, I suspect. [sarcasm off]

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

Thanks :-)

Though I did reference it, I didn't really focus on ECT as such, and tbh it wasn't anywhere near as higher level as my other qualifications (but I like to learn new things), so I am in no way an expert on it. I can tell you it is used, as it was related to one of the areas that we could choose to cover and the information about what it can be used for was provided as part of the materials we should use as the basis for our study. I remember when I read up on it, it said that it is used as a last resort as it has been used historically, but it is generally avoided as there is little evidence supporting overall therapeutic benefits. That is about the extent of my knowledge on the subject though I am afraid.

[stephaniec]

Thanks :-)

Though I did reference it, I didn't really focus on ECT as such, and tbh it wasn't anywhere near as higher level as my other qualifications (but I like to learn new things), so I am in no way an expert on it. I can tell you it is used, as it was related to one of the areas that we could choose to cover and the information about what it can be used for was provided as part of the materials we should use as the basis for our study. I remember when I read up on it, it said that it is used as a last resort as it has been used historically, but it is generally avoided as there is little evidence supporting overall therapeutic benefits. That is about the extent of my knowledge on the subject though I am afraid.

I've only researched it on the internet. the only thing I found that the first 6 months after the treatment it has something like  60% effective for helping depression , but after 6 months the depression returns and any more treatments are useless. It's been awhile since I was researching  this , but I think this is about right.

[mrs izzy]

That is so scary.

There is a proven treatment for GD and i have never ever seen ECT as part of it.


Isabell

[mrs izzy]

Always nice to meet another Kira... you look gorgeous in your avatar, btw !!

Yeah, extreme depression sounds like my situation... I'm getting desperate and willing to try anything. When you studied ECT, there was no evidence it works ?? 

Not sure where you are in your GD treatment but depression is part of the process that we all deal or dealt with.

You have to live and get the treatment you need to bring happiness.

Isabell

[Kira357]

Not sure where you are in your GD treatment but depression is part of the process that we all deal or dealt with.

You have to live and get the treatment you need to bring happiness.

Isabell

Thanks Izzy, it is hard indeed. Sounds like about $20-$30K of FFS will ultimately be the only real ticket for me.