I've had many ECT (electroshock) treatments. Both my long- and short-term memory have been affected. It has been nearly two years since my last treatment. Is there any hope for my memory to return? I have already been through cognitive therapy.

— Carol, Kentucky

This is a complicated issue, and the answers are not so easy without knowing more about your history and overall health. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also sometimes referred to as electroshock) involves a series of carefully monitored, electrically induced seizures under general anesthesia. It is commonly associated with both confusion and memory disturbances while the treatment is being administered. Severe depression also causes memory problems, as do, of course, other potential factors, such as those associated with aging, that may or may not be relevant to your history.

Usually memory problems that develop during ECT resolve within a few weeks after completion of treatment, though most people will have permanent amnesia for events surrounding the time of treatment because both seizures and repeated exposures to general anesthesia can temporarily disrupt formation of new memories. Because your memory problems have persisted for several years, I’d suggest talking with your doctor about your concerns and considering neuropsychological testing and a more formal evaluation of your memory difficulties.