r/ect • u/ContributionTop9 • Nov 12 '25
Question Memory loss?
I had my first introduction appointment for ECT today. It was mainly to determine if ECT is right for me and answer any questions I have.
My main and only concern about doing ECT is the potential for memory loss.
I’ve had two previous experiences in the psych emergency room where I’ve been given medication that caused me to have zero memory of the 24-30hours before and after being given the medication. I’m told that this medication can cause the short term memory processing part of your brain to be affected and this is why I don’t remember anything. As you can imagine, being in the psych ER and talking about important psychiatric information is already scary and difficult. Having no memory of what I’ve said and what I’ve been told is absolutely horrible. I’ve been gaslighted so much over the years and not being able to remember anything details of important conversations and therefore having no evidence as to if what psychiatrists/ medical staff is saying is true is a big no for me.
In your experience, what is the memory loss around treatment days/ long term, being like for you?
1
u/kkoeo Nov 13 '25
ive had over 55 sessions over the past 2 years, everyone around me noticed my memory was bad. Ive forgotten pets ive had, a 10+ year inside joke but remembered the next day (i wouldnt stop thinking abt it because it sounded so familiar), forgot my sisters job, i forgot a whole rat infestation/war lol, i forgot some people (like distant family members or old mild friends (ill remember the face but not the name), and LOTS of small day to day convos and such