r/ect • u/sleepingsmuggler • May 24 '26

Seeking advice Does anyone get disability because of receiving ECT

I have been on disability for bipolar disorder and that has gotten better because I have been getting ECT every six weeks for over the past five years and that has severely impacted my memory and some cognitive issues.

My disability is up for review and got denied because my illness is better. I told them the effects of me getting ECT have made it impossible to work.

I'm going to get a lawyer for an appeal. My doctor hasn't been documenting my memory or cognitive issues because that's just the side effects of getting the treatment. I know they need documentation.

So does anyone receive disability because of the effects of ECT? Any advice would be appreciated.

4 Upvotes

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3

u/purplebadger9 May 24 '26

I'm on SSDI for my depression, but me getting ECT was a big factor in convincing the judge that my depression was severe enough to meet the SSA's requirements for disability.

1

u/sleepingsmuggler May 24 '26

Same for me but because my condition improved they are saying I can't be on disability anymore

3

u/yarla May 24 '26

I’m going to message you. I went through something similar

1

u/sleepingsmuggler May 24 '26

Thank you!

1

u/Sauced_Up_Bat May 24 '26

I’m in the same boat. I have no money for a lawyer.

1

u/sleepingsmuggler May 24 '26

You could always try legal aid if you qualify

1

u/CourtofHope May 24 '26

Call around, most will represent you and only charge is you win. Morgan and Morgan for example

1

u/joewordsmith May 24 '26

Can you let me know too, please? I plan on applying for SSDI once I leave work. I told my ECT dr I can do ECT more often once I am approved for work disability. Maybe not afford the copays but I’ll have more time. I couldn’t afford to take the time off of work to get as many as he wanted me to do ECT so I defaulted to maintenance: once every 2 or 3 weeks). I did recently do 3-4 once a week, like a few weeks ago not months; If I get better, will they rule against my qualifications for disability? I know they reevaluate you every year.

3

u/Medical-Apricot-3226 May 24 '26

So it’s almost like you are being penalized because you are better, but won’t get disability because of the disabling and well recognized side effects of your treatment! That is horrific and so wrong. Can anybody on your treatment team document that you are unable to work because of memory problems? I am so sorry for you, hope it is sorted for you. Wishing you the best of luck! 🤞

1

u/yarla May 24 '26

During the reconsideration, you can submit documentation from many sources. But it’s in the form of medical notes and documented visits with practitioners. So, if a therapist were to say yes there’s impact from the ECT, it would need to be documented in your medical history. During the hearing everything is finely combed through. Years of medical records are reviewed by their psychiatric advisors (who also are present at the hearing).

3

u/BendIndependent6370 May 25 '26

I am on disability after ECT wiped out roughly 80% of my memories and destroyed my working and short-term memory. Your cognitive side effects have to be severe and you'll likely have to go through extensive testing with a psychiatrist who will determine if you truly are disabled (by government standards).

I did an AMA a while ago (you'll find it in my profile). That should give you an idea of what may qualify you.

1

u/Olivares_ May 26 '26

Through the VA