A brief electric pulse is then applied to the side of the head. Patients are asleep and the body is relaxed. Some people are briefly disoriented after treatment . Some later complain of headaches and sore, stiff muscles. Problems with memory are the most frequent complaint.
Memory problems can last three to six months after the treatment.
ECT will not affect a person's ability to retain memory. However, it might affect your ability to recall some memories. The majority of people treated with ECT report that their memory improves as their mood improves. People are able to learn and remember new information even though they may have trouble remembering some events in the past. How to Cope With Memory Loss With their therapists or doctor, and particularly their families and friends, people also develop simple coping strategies to help them through the period of some memory loss.