What's It Like Being Hospitalized for Bipolar? - What's It Like Being Hospitalized for Manic Depression?

Written by Juliet

7.What other side effects might I experience?

Along with memory disturbances, you may experience confusion, muscle soreness, headache, and nausea. Inform your doctor or nurse if you experience any of these.

8.How many ECT treatments will I need?

A series of 6-12 treatments is recommended for the greatest effect. Your doctor will decide how many are best for you.

9.Why can't I eat or drink before the treatment?

As with a surgical procedure you should have nothing in your stomach so as to prevent anything from coming up and choking you.

10.How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about one hour from the time you leave the unit to the time you return. The seizure itself will only last 20-90 seconds. The rest of the time is for preparation for and recovery from the procedure.

11.When will I notice improvements from ECT?

Most people will notice improvements in their symptoms in about one to two weeks

Information Obtained From The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.

This was given to me while I was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins in July 2000.

AFFECTIVE DISORDERS PROGRAM

Affective disorders are illnesses that affect the way people feel, think and act. They may cause patients to develop unhealthy behaviors that may easily become habits. One of the goals of the Phipps Clinic is to encourage the return of healthy behaviors that will support that patient after returning home. Our structured program supports the medical treatment that patients receive and enhances treatment outcomes. We encourage patients to participate fully in the Affective Disorder Program and to share the responsibility for their treatment by following these guidelines:

Communication:

Be informed about your illness and about your treatment. We encourage full participation in treatment and discharge planning. Discuss your concerns and your treatment plan on a daily basis with the treatment team. If your family has specific concerns they should contact the social worker.

Making everyone feel comfortable is important. Be polite and respectful in interactions with other patients, staff and visitors.

Groups:

Groups are an essential part of the program. We offer several types of groups - education, support and occupational therapy groups. These groups are designed to help you learn more about your illness and develop skills to help you cope with your illness. They also give us important information that help us assess your progress; so it is important to attend all your scheduled groups. We ask that you use on campus privileges only during non-group times and ask visitors, including any out-of-town visitors, to come during non-group times.

You may also be given assignments designed to address your treatment goals. It is important to complete your assignments.

Medications:

You will receive education about your medications. Try to learn as much as possible about your medications and to get into the habit of taking medications at the regularly scheduled times. You are encouraged to approach your nurse for your medications on time. This will help establish the health habit of taking responsibility for taking medication at specific times while you are still in the supportive surroundings of the hospital.

Activities of Daily Living:

The symptoms of the illness may lead patients with affective disorder to neglect activities of daily living, e.g., getting out of bed, maintaining personal hygiene, eating meals, etc., which can lead to worsening of the depressions and other complications. We encourage patients to maintain appropriate activities of daily living by maintaining proper hygiene, grooming and appropriate dress. Please ask your nurse if you will need assistance.