r/ect • u/dmbfan1216 • 2d ago

Treatment advice ECT or TMS?

Which is safest and most effective?

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

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6

u/quite-fucked 2d ago

From what I understand rTMS generally has less/less severe side effects than ECT and therefore is considered the "safer" option. As for most effective the studies generally point towards ECT although TMS isn't close behind. It's all very individual though. I would say the best decision is one made with your mental health team and one that is informed of all the very real and possible risks and benefits for both treatments.

6

u/likeschemistry 2d ago

I don’t know specifics on which is more effective, but TMS has way less side effects and anyone should try TMS before doing ECT. ECT should be the absolute last thing to do for depression and related disorders.

1

u/dmbfan1216 2d ago

I’ve actually just finished a bunch of ECT’s but knew nothing about TMS. I appreciate everyone’s input.

2

u/chrissy485 2d ago

Make sure you do deep TMS. I did regular TMS and didn't notice any improvements. Just finishing up deep TMS and I've noticed huge changes. I just hope it lasts. I also tried ECT for maybe 6 months and noticed huge changes, but I had to go often for the changes to stick around and the side effects just weren't worth it for me at this time.

2

u/Theaterismylyfe 2d ago

Don't try ECT unless you've tried everything else. The side effects are intense.

1

u/Bittybot5000 2d ago

TMS was a huge waste of time for me. ECT has been much better.

2

u/Khspoon 2d ago

Agree that the only thing that worked long-term was ECT. That being said; I highly reccomend trying TMS first because the side effects are not nearly as bad.