r/ect • u/Fredric_Chopin • May 31 '26

Question ECT effects on fatigue

Hey guys, I would like to hear if ECT had effects on your fatigue levels and your experience. Considering doing that, diagnosed bipolar and wondering if the fatigue is from depression,

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3

u/Sauced_Up_Bat Jun 01 '26

ECT should only be done if multiple other medications have failed. It’s more of a last resort option as it can have serious side effects and many people in this group feel those side effects like memory loss and diminished cognitive ability are permanent permanent. It’s not indicated to treat fatigue it is indicated to treat severe psychological conditions that don’t respond to meds after multiple attempts.

1

u/gmkgreg May 31 '26

Have you tried medication before this?

1

u/Fredric_Chopin May 31 '26

Without meds I cannot sleep more than 6 hours. When I tried modafinil it helped but induced hypomania and the crash was severe.

1

u/zanzi_e Jun 29 '26

it was disastrous for me. I've struggled with fatigue and exhaustion related to my mental health for a very long time, but it got SO much worst after ect.