The psychiatrist of a friend of mine recently mentioned that he might need to consider ECT to treat his bipolar disorder. My friend is struggling with this. While ECT has come along way since the days of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, there is still a high risk of substantial memory loss.
This has gotten me to think. Would I rather lose my mind or my memory? Most would say, obviously, your memory. That would be mostly an inconvenience that you could overcome with help. But I’ve seen the pain and frustration of so many people suffering from Alzheimer’s, losing your memory is certainly no picnic.
Losing your mind, as harsh as it sounds, might not be as unpleasant for the person going through it. There have been times I’ve not been in my “right mind” and, apart from the occasional crippling depression and blood-curling paranoia, it’s not that bad. In fact, it has been something of an adventure to drift off into another reality.
The thing that tips the scales for me, however, in favor of losing my memory, is the effect it would have on others. People can laugh with you when you can’t remember something, People are simply annoyed at (or afraid of) you when you’ve lost your mind.
What do you think?
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more on memory…
Hello Pete,
You make compelling points on both sides of this dilemma. My father is now suffering with Alzheimer’s. It is very traumatic for his wife, who is facing the brunt of dealing with him.
Loosing your memory is a very frustrating thing for him, especially when he is still able to rationalize in a sane reality.
I think I need to go and visit with him real soon.
I like the concept of having a therapeutic blog! I will be back.
I much rather lose my memory than my mind! I already have some short term memory issues and it can be frustrating for me and others…but at least I know who I am. I’m Marilyn Monroe. Aren’t I?
Heya!
Just searched the net for research on ECT as I am writing a novel. ECT’s effects are;
Headaches
Short term memory loss
Cardiovascular problems
The therapy reverting after 6 months without other therapy after.
When I say short term memory loss I don’t mean you loose short-term memory I mean you loose your long-term memory for a short period of time, 1 – 3 weeks I believe.
Your memory SHOULD come back to you, but I personally would not do ECT, it’s a dangerous, silly experiment, psychologists don’t know how it works, no one knows, they just know it does work, but electrocuting your brain isn’t the way.
I hope you find guidance.