Traditional treatments may not always work when it comes to treating depression, in which case a different option like ketamine therapy may be the right choice. Whether it is mild or severe depression, our brains' state is important to determine how effective the chosen treatment will be. In some cases, our brains may not respond well to traditional treatment options, or it may be that the depression is simply too severe for standard oral antidepressants to do the job properly. Fortunately, there are new, more effective types of drug therapy available.
It's important to know all your options when getting treatment for depression, and that's why we want to illustrate the effective nature of ketamine in treating depression, what ketamine is, and how effective it is at treating depression.
Originally, ketamine was used as a powerful surgical anesthetic as when it is used; it blocks pain receptors. It first began being used as an anesthetic for animals in the 1960s before receiving approval to be used for humans in 1970
It wasn't until years later that the same drug was administered to a person who had attempted suicide due to severe depression. Reports claimed that the person immediately began showing signs of changed behavior, including not wanting to commit suicide and feeling less depressed.
This led to the eventual reevaluation of the drug, and it became FDA-approved to treat depression in a clinical setting.
Ketamine therapy works differently than typical antidepressants because it immediately changes brain chemistry. Most patients report feeling euphoric immediately after taking the drug, typically lasting a couple of hours or less. This feeling is then followed by enhanced mood and less depressive tendencies.
Over time it is believed that ketamine helps to rebuild synapses in the brain that help parts of the brain communicate with each other. In patients with depression, these synapses are decreased, leading to depressed behavior.
Ketamine is not a standard depression treatment and isn't considered usable in all cases. However, it has shown remarkable effectiveness for cases that it is prescribed for. Because of the nature of the drug to become addictive or be misused, ketamine is prescribed almost exclusively for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Treatment-resistant depression is defined as depression that has shown no changes when taking at least two or more standard antidepressant drugs. Ketamine is used in conjunction with oral antidepressants and has a high rate of success.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression and their current medication isn't working, it might be time to contact a psychiatrist who can prescribe ketamine therapy. No one should have to live with depression, and this may be a solution for you. Learn more about your options so you can get on a path toward mental wellness.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Ketamine Therapy in New York, NY.
Everyone experiences occasional anxiety, but an anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry and physical symptoms that can disrupt daily routines, relationships, and overall well-being. If left untreated, these symptoms can intensify, impacting mental and physical health. Seeking help from a psychiatrist can be a significant first step toward effectively managing anxiety disorder symptoms and getting…
A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing, preventing, treating, and managing disorders affecting an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychiatry encompasses various techniques to not only help you obtain mental clarity but also safeguard your mental health and the various relationships in your life. Take a look at three reasons why you should…
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a complicated disorder, and ADHD treatment requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Successful treatment often involves a multi-faceted treatment plan tailored to the individual. Though there is no cure for ADHD, a psychiatrist can help manage it with the right combination of therapies and strategies.ADHD is a chronic…
Ketamine therapy is one of a few new depression treatments that offer help to depression patients when more traditional therapies do not produce sufficient results. If you have tried other depression treatments and are still struggling, this may be something your psychiatrist recommends. Here are some key things to know about ketamine therapy and how…
Some of the most successful treatment plans for anxiety disorder involve a combination of medication,…
Psychiatrists can perform various types of talk therapy and psychosocial interventions, which are strategic methods…
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or mindful breathing exercises, can be especially helpful for ADHD…
Ketamine therapy is one of a few new depression treatments that offer help to depression…
Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make…
Depression treatment is one of the most common services a psychiatrist provides. Therefore, if you…
