Memory and ECT

Posted by Julie K. Hersh on 24 February 2012 | 2 Comments

Tags: , , , ,

This recent Psychology Today blog titled Memory and ECT was inspired by an event we held at the Dallas Children's Theater. After mimosas (we were bumped from the prior week on Dr. Oz due to the orange juice fungicide situation, found some humor in that), we entered the theater and watched the segment on Oz.

Then I moderated a panel with my good friends from UT Southwestern. I had asked Dr. Husain if he would come to back me up in case there were questions I could not answer and he said - "All three of us are coming!" (the lead physicians for ECT at UT Southwestern). I knew with all that brain power in one spot, we couldn't waste it. I asked if everyone would particpate in the panel and all agreed.

 

Dr. Raza, Dr. McClintock, Dr. Husain, and me (Julie Hersh)

The result was one of the most thoughtfu, informative discussions about ECT that I've ever experienced. The audience had tough questions which these men answered with patience and respect.

We had some fun too. I gave away theater tickets to a few Dallas Children's Theater shows as well as to "GIANT" the production for the Dallas Theater Center. Here's a shot of me when my friend Hope Hochster won the tickets to "Giant."

 

 

The Dallas Children's Theater did a fantastic job helping me produce this event. They do rent out their facilities, give them a call if you have an interest. Great 480 seat theater, plus the lobby works well for a prereception: 214-978-0110.

 


Post your comment

Comments

  • Cindy - the number of ECT treatments will really vary by person, but generally people do about 8-12 treatments. I did 5 in 2001 (6 is usually the minimum course) and 7 in 2007. Some people do maintenance ECT ongoing - I am not crazy about hospitals so for me that would be an option I'd avoid as much as i could. If ECT does not work, something will. Please don't give up hope. Make sure you are getting some sort of daily exercise - that will make a huge difference. Even if it is just a daily walk - force yourself to do it.Will keep you in my prayers

    Posted by Julie Hersh, 03/03/2012 12:02pm (1 year ago)

  • Hi, I recently commented on this particular blog on Psychology Today. Monthly I go down, down...and am experiencing it now. I am reaching out where ever I can. Am so afraid of hitting bottom again. Don't know how many ECT treatments I should have. Don't know how I will keep myself from committing suicide if I go there again.

    Posted by Cindy Rodgers, 27/02/2012 7:55pm (1 year ago)

RSS feed for comments on this page | RSS feed for all comments