HOW DOES KETAMINE HELP TREAT DEPRESSION AND OTHER MOOD DISORDERS?
Depression causes a disruption of neuronal connections in the cortical and limbic regions of the brain which control cognition, mood, and emotion. When we experience persistent high levels of social, environmental, and work-related stresses, the neuronal connections in our brain, called synapses, dwindle and atrophy. This, in turn, affects how we think, and our motivation and emotion. The longer we experience these stressors, the more connections we lose; and, the more severe the neuronal atrophy.
In contrast to the effects of stress and depression, chronic treatment of antidepressants produce a slow increase in neuroplasticity, and allows for the neural connections to reform. The response rate to a first line antidepressant, however, is less than 50% and takes weeks to months to start taking effect.
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor blocker, and works by a different mechanism than traditional antidepressants. It causes a surge in glutatamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Through an elaborate pathway, there is a subsequent increase in BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a neurotrophin that promotes neuronal growth and connections in the brain. A single infusion of ketamine alleviates depressive symptoms within hours in patients who have failed to respond to conventional antidepressants. It is therefore very effective in significantly decreasing suicidal ideations. Ketamine rapidly reestablishes the neuronal connections in the brain that were once lost due to chronic persistent depression.
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WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY?
Ketamine is a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms associated with depression and other mood disorders. While Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication, it is essential that individuals are monitored by a professional who specializes in Ketamine infusion therapy, to ensure that proper protocols are followed and all safety precautions are taken.
DURING THE INFUSION
Individuals should expect to have the Ketamine administered intravenously. This means that a needle will be used to attach an IV to the arm so that the medication can be administered in a safe and controlled manner. Keep in mind, other methods of ketamine administration don’t offer consistent absorption and efficacy. The patient’s vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire infusion process.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Overall, most people find the Ketamine infusion therapy experience to be calming and pleasant. Patients can have the peace of mind, knowing that they are constantly being monitored by a highly qualified medical staff.
AFTER INFUSION THERAPY
Following the treatment, you may experience slight symptoms as mentioned above. You should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. Your improvements will be assessed each infusion session to make sure you are being treated appropriately. The results of the treatment will vary individually, based on your mental health history, severity and duration. Maintenance or “booster” infusions may be necessary; the intervals will depend on your specific situation and the collaborative recommendations of your mental health provider.
WHY US?
WE’RE NOT JUST A CLINIC
Unlike other ‘busy’ clinics that run 8-10 rooms at the same time and leave your care entirely to technicians, we pride ourselves in providing the highest possible level of care during this delicate time. You will be taken cared of by a board-certified anesthesiologist from the the time you come in to our office, up to the time you are ready to leave.
We are a boutique practice. We treat every patient as a unique individual, equally with compassion and respect. We have in-house mental clinicians who will work with us collaboratively to make sure you get complete individualized care and maximize your chance for recovery.
WE ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
A board certified anesthesiologist will be with you and readily available throughout all your treatments. We are more than equipped to handle any unexpected reactions during your infusions, making sure you are safe and comfortable at all times.
WE LISTEN AND MEASURE
We listen to your story and what your experiences are before, during, and after your treatments to make sure you are heading the right trajectory towards healing and recovery. We also measure your progress concretely throughout the treatment process.
OTHER MOOD DISORDERS KETAMINE HELPS TREAT
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD affects nearly 5.2 million Americans per year. It is a life-crippling condition…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD is surprisingly not an uncommon psychological condition…
Severe Anxiety
Everyone feels anxious in certain situations and it is particularly common to experience a certain level of anxiety while going through stressful situations…
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