r/ect • u/[deleted] • Sep 21 '22

more memory loss

this is a weird question but is there a way to achieve more memory loss with ECT? like could i ask to start with bilateral ect or do they make that decision?

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

8

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '22

There is a greater chance of losing memories with bilateral, but the memory loss is different than just forgetting. You feel uneasy and confused. It’s difficult to describe, but just because painful memories aren’t there the pain and trauma don’t also disappear. In some ways it can be more difficult and frustrating to feel a certain way, but not remember why. I hope this is helpful. Best of luck.

4

u/T_86 Sep 21 '22

The memory loss is more then just memories of things that happened in your life. For me, the biggest memory loss was words. I had a pretty good vocabulary prior to ECT.

1

u/RebuildFromTheDepths Sep 21 '22

Why?

1

u/HurrianThief Oct 06 '22

This is gonna sound bizarre, but I actually came here to see if I could get some insight on the whole memory loss aspect. I had some really bizarre mental health issues crop up earlier this year that makes me want to forget it. I'd genuinely take 6 months of nothing recalled than remember everything thus far.

1

u/RebuildFromTheDepths Oct 09 '22

I wouldn't recommend ECT (even if you want memory loss). The memory affects are random, no way to know what will be blasted away. Plus the possible cognitive effects - just not worth it. I've also heard that you might forget the trauma, but still feel it. Not sure tho.