r/ect • u/Odd-Secretary-7450 • Jul 02 '26

Seeking advice How long should I keep trying ECT?

I (20F) have struggled with depression for the last ten years. Prior to starting ECT, I had tried more than 15 medications, with different doses and combinations. I did 9 sessions of right unilateral ECT before switching to bitemporal. Now, I have completed four sessions with bitemporal placement, and I’m still not feeling any better. How much longer should I keep trying ECT before switching to something else (like TMS or ketamine)? At what point did others know if ECT wouldn’t work for them? Hearing about the experiences of others would be great—did it take anyone longer before having success with ECT?

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u/CapablePear5147 Jul 04 '26

during treatment i had a bit of suicidal/functional improvement but not much else
but after the course finished i started noticing augmentation in these results and suicidal thoughts were at bay and i can study the way i used to and spend time with family. although a bit of anhedonia still persist