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dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?

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dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?

Postby 22900kbm » Mon Jul 21, 2014 9:02 pm

Hello,

Back in January I began having ECT treatments for depression. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, ECT is a treatment in which a doctor puts you to sleep, places electrodes on your head and essentially shocks your brain in order to induce a seizure. The treatment is thought to "reset" a part of the brain involved with depression.

The treatment worked for a few weeks, and I felt much better emotionally. However, I began to notice that I was doing everything much more slowly and in a very detached way, as if I was constantly "spacing out". I had become emotionally very numb, even toward my family. I had lost the ability to genuinely laugh.

I also lost a significant amount of social skills, such as the ability to tell which way someone intends to walk and divert your path so you don't get in their way. I also began to feel very uncomfortable with eye contact, and I have a lot of trouble understanding even the simplest instructions.

My depressive symptoms returned soon after, and I was put on Fetzima and Remeron. My dose of Adderall was also increased, but the "spacey-ness" and detachment never let up.

I quit taking both the Fetzima and the Remeron 5 weeks ago, hoping that it would help lift the fog. It has not. Luckily, however, my depressive symptoms have remained under control.

Could anyone shed some light on what may be causing this, or what steps i may be able to take to fix it? I take Adderall 40mg in the morning, which helps me to wake up, but has no bearing me socially, mentally or emotionally.

I'd appreciate any feedback anyone might have.
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Re: dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?

Postby ricky312 » Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:23 am

hello 22900kbm. I had ect several years back. and remember being in a fog like trance. I don't remember much about what happened during it. It's kind of bad for memory. I would watch out for that. I do remember being very dizzie but that went away. I had a very dissociate feeling and still do. Im not exactly sure if the ect caused it. but it was definatly worse after it. but remember that dissociation is part of depression. or you may have dissociate disorder. I hope that I could help.
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Re: dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?

Postby ricky312 » Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:36 am

I just looked up dissociate disorder. I though it was just becoming unattached or daydreaming. I had experienced that but nothing any worse. just thought I should clarify.
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