And If I Go Insane...

I had six treatments of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) during my first depression at age 17. It brought relief from depression but only temporarily. Within only a few weeks I was back in the Pit. It is not an experience I wish to repeat.

However, some individuals with depression do not respond to treatment with anti-depressants. ECT can be very effective in such cases. In more recent times, ECT treatment has been developed so that the electrical stimulation is applied only to the nondominant hemisphere of the brain, avoiding the speech and memory centers of the dominant side, considerably reducing the confusion that can result. ECT results in temporary loss of memory regarding events around the time of treatment but there is no evidence that ECT permanently impairs memory. ECT has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of mania. — Adapted from A Mood Apart by Peter C. Whybrow.

New Article: Teaching Wellness

Research has recently demonstrated that teaching illness self-management in addition to medication can significantly improve the quality of life for those with bipolar disorder. This article reviews the scientific evidence.

Reprinted with permission from bp Magazine, Fall 2006.