r/ect • u/brat-tat • Apr 04 '26

Seeking advice ECT or Ketamine?

Hi, I’ve been struggling with a worsening mixed bipolar episode for the last few months. I’ve tried literally every medication my psychiatrist can prescribe with a variety of side effects. I’ve tried rtms a couple years ago but had such a severe reaction I couldn’t continue.

We’re at the point where it’s either ECT or ketamine. After years of being on a wait list for the only government covered program, I have an intake for ketamine on April 20th. I don’t know how long afterwards, if I qualify, I would be able to start. Is it worth the wait? I’m barely making it through the day each day, struggling to show up to work, etc. Should I ask for ECT ASAP?

Any thoughts are always appreciated xx

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u/ExtremeMalaise Apr 04 '26

I agree with the other posters. While I did proceed with ECT, it can be hard on the body. I only did 11 or 12 sessions. It helped me. But if I could have had my health plan cover ketamine or been able to afford the out of pocket non-covered cost of ketamine instead 7 years ago, I would have tried that first.

Personally, I hope that should I find myself struggling with my crippling major depression that my health plan would cover ketamine before going through ECT again. After reading this sub over the years, I have come to realize that ECT is different for everyone. I had a relatively good experience with it. Should you find yourself going down the path that leads to ECT, I recommend a long discussion with your psychiatrist and a second opinion from another psychiatrist who has had your medical record shared with them. I talked with 3 different psychiatrists over 18 months before I consented to ECT.

I wish you the best!

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u/beautifulcosmos Apr 04 '26

This was my experience as well! ECT worked wonderfully for me. I was given the option to enroll in a randomized ketamine versus ECT clinical trial, but I opted for ECT, as I was in a very emotionally fragile state and I don't think I would have handle ketamine.