Madam, – I have been following the correspondence regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during the past number of weeks with a great deal of interest.
I was 18 when I had my first bipolar episode, for which I was hospitalised during 1976-77.
Following approximately six months of varying drug cocktails, none of which worked, and all of which had dreadful side-effects, I was given a course of ECT, and I felt “normal” again. I can’t say the treatment was imposed without my consent.
However, although I gave consent by way of a signature on a form, I was not fully aware of the nature of the treatment.
During the years that followed I was maintained on lithium and, apart from two incidents of depression, I remained well.
In 1992-93 I experienced a further episode of bipolar disorder. I was referred to a different hospital where I received excellent professional care, compassion and support.
I was encouraged and facilitated to deal with the underlying issues that triggered this episode.
However, despite a satisfactory outcome, I remained deeply depressed, and the drugs (much fewer this time round) did not improve my despairing mood, which was then akin to a mental hell.
Eventually, I was offered ECT, and was given time to contemplate my decision. It was a very difficult choice.
However, given that I was not responding to medication, and knowing that no amount of talking or talk therapy at that time could have rescued me from those increasing depths of despair, and in view of the fact that I had benefited from ECT in 1977, I chose to have it again.
Once again, it worked for me. I have been well since and remain on lithium.
I should add that following this hospitalisation I sought help from a psychotherapist, and this also contributed enormously to my subsequent and continued wellbeing.
I do have great sympathy with anyone who has been adversely affected by ECT. In my case, it lifted me out of the depths of suicidal despair twice, and enabled me to resume a normal and fulfilling life again. I acknowledge that, unlike others, I had a choice. – Yours, etc,