Volume 5 Issue 5 May 2015
Power of ECT
Lakshmi came to me in a depressive phase of Manic Depressive Disorder. Her mother died of suicide. Mother’s brother had to take Lakshmi as his daughter-in-law.
She requested me to give ECT so that she will do house chores soon. Otherwise her aunt cum mother-in-law will throw her out of the family. Still I made her suffer all sorts of side effects with Amitryptiline 300 mg/day for few weeks before giving ECT. She responded well to ECT. She went on with ECT every other year to lift her from depression. Once she sold her anklets and came alone for ECT. She was also on Lithium Carbonate.
Years passed. She got Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Her ECG showed ischemic changes. I told her that ECT is risky. She can try newer antidepressants. She asked me how long it will take to do her routine work fast. I hesitantly said may be 2-3 weeks. She asked me sarcastically what will be the risk of ECT. I said at the worst death.
Her husband got convinced and took the prescription of anti-depressant for 2 weeks and left. Before leaving my chamber she asked me, “Doctor, do you think I can endure depression for 2 weeks?” She did not wait for my reply.
Two days later, she hung herself. Her son who was watching her for such an event, saved her and took her to hospital immediately. But his efforts were in vain. I went to e-group for consolation.
Bangalore, dr.saranya@gmail.com
