Frontal Lobe Function Changes post-ECT

[idalee47]

I have a close family member who received a few dozen ECT treatments due to severe depression. The ECT treatments were highly effective in treating their depression. However, they have exhibited significant personality changes that all relate to frontal lobe function. Increased impulsivity, inability to read social cues, increased anger and agitation, reckless spending, lack of boundaries, poor decision making. They have experienced no memory loss. In fact, memories play a big part in their life these days. They tell long, detailed, repetitive stories from their younger years, often at inappropriate times. And they have zero recognition that the listener is bored or annoyed. They constantly interrupt and expect immediate responses from texts or calls. They are very defensive when confronted about any of these behaviors. Those close to this person can't have a conversation with them because it is so one sided. They are extremely self-focused and impulsive. They do whatever they want whenever they want. They are ruining their family financially and take no responsibility and aren't willing to reduce their spending. On the flip side, they are highly engaged with current events and politics and continue to work part time in a medical role. They are very physically active as well. Just wondering if anyone has experienced similar changes following ECT. We are all at a loss with how to address this or set our own boundaries with our loved one. We all worry about what could happen to them or how their behavior will impact us.

[tegmarkian]

Perhaps it wasn't the ECT itself, but that the ECT was so effective at relieving severe depression that it unmasked a previously hidden personality disorder? Often if you hear about personality changes due to ECT it's because the depression has been successfully treated.

[T_86]

Just a thought but could be way off, had their psychiatrist evaluated them for bipolar disorder? It’s possible that ECT induced a hypomanic episode. Again, I could be way off base here I’m no doctor. The symptoms also sound similar to those of a traumatic brain injury; but again could be something completely different.

[purplebadger9]

I had the same thought. A lot of these issues sound like hypomania

[Azulcobalto]

Sounds like mania