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Patient Stories from the Center for Interventional Psychiatry

At the Center for Interventional Psychiatry at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, our experts provide help to patients in need. The stories below feature those who have had expert care and treatment from our team.

Note: These patients' treatments and results may not be representative of similar cases.

Dana Arkalis

Dana's Story

Dana was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. After being hospitalized at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, she started receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments. Now, her symptoms are lesser and she has her creativity back.

Read Dana's story.


Judi Gaydeski

Judi's Story

Judi suffered from bipolar disorder most of her adult life. After receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while being hospitalized at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, she is now given weekly treatments to help manage her symptoms.

Read Judi's story.


Kimberly's Story – Finding Hope and Relief with ECT

Kimberly's Story

Kimberly Adam thought it was bad enough that she'd had a stroke. Then she sank into a deep depression that was even more disabling. When psychiatric counseling and medication failed to work, she turned to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital where electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) provided hope and relief.

Read Kimberly's Story.


Helen's Story: TMS Offers a “New Lease on Life"

Helen's Story

Helen Stallings had few options left. After struggling with depression for 35 years, her antidepressants had become ineffective and the increased dosage caused her blood pressure to soar. Medication adjustments robbed her of energy. She finally found a solution at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). "It's been a godsend," says Helen.

Read Helen's Story.


Grace's Story

Twenty years ago, Grace Filice found relief from severe depression after undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). When debilitating depression symptoms returned in 2019, she didn’t hesitate to turn to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital for another round of treatments. “ECT works well on me,” she says. “This time was as good as the last, if not better.”

Read Grace's Story.


Suzanne's Story

Suzanne* had it all – a loving husband, healthy children, and a great job. But it wasn't enough to lift her out of her relentless depression and suicidal thoughts. She found the help she needed at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital where electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was able to reverse her disabling disorder. "I feel great," she says. "ECT saved my life."

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the patient.

Read Suzanne's Story.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Center for Interventional Psychiatry, please call 412-246-5063.

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