3 Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Getting ketamine therapy is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of depression. Research shows that this therapy can help patients with treatment-resistant depression. This could bring them new hope and a better quality of life. Here are the three top benefits that this therapy can bring for depression.

1. Mind and body healing

Research reveals that ketamine can help enhance the brain’s synaptic connections. It activates the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway. Stimulating this pathway can help contribute to the healing of injured synapses. This therapy targets the areas in the brain that link to emotional regulation. Below are the mental health benefits a patient can get from ketamine therapy:

• It helps treat different mental health problems, such as low concentration.
• It relieves depression.
• It weakens the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
• It reduces negative and self-harming thoughts.

Ketamine therapy can also target chronic pain. This ailment occurs when the pain signals increase at a significant rate. The treatment can help by blocking intense pain signals. Ketamine also blocks pain signals before they reach the spinal cord and brain. This helps the body to restart.

2. Quick relief

Traditional treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy often take months to work. These treatments cannot help patients who want to harm themselves. That is why this therapy is a source of significant help. Quick relief from different mental disorders after the first sessions of ketamine therapy is common. The treatment can save the lives of patients with severe suicidal ideation or attempts.

Trials show that this therapy can relieve mood disorder symptoms the day after the third treatment session. This often takes place one to two weeks into ketamine therapy. Subtle improvements may occur earlier. Some patients even report dramatic changes days after the first infusion. The relief intensifies as the patient continues and completes the infusions.

3. Lasting symptom alleviation

Clinical trials show that ketamine therapy can provide lasting relief after a complete treatment. This consists of five to six infusions over two to three weeks. The therapy may keep the patient symptom-free for three to four months. Some patients have relief for even longer than four months. The effectiveness of this therapy makes it indispensable for the improvement of the patient’s quality of life.

The common side effects

Proper use makes ketamine a healthy option. But once abuse sets in, the patient can develop an addiction. Ketamine therapy must be a treatment under the watchful eye of licensed healthcare professionals. That way, addiction is prevented. The patient must stay a while after the session. That way, the patient can receive treatment for any of the following side effects:

• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Irregular heart rate
• High blood pressure

Why ketamine therapy works

Depression and stress tend to damage synaptic connections. Research reveals that ketamine therapy can help repair and restore these connections. On its own, talk therapy may not be enough to reduce depression symptoms. But doctors are now combining it with ketamine therapy.

How ketamine therapy treats depression

Low levels of glutamate trigger depression symptoms. Ketamine attaches to the brain receptors that produce glutamate. This substance helps regulate one’s mood. It also triggers the production of the neurotrophic factor that helps with neuroplasticity. This factor allows the brain to adapt while experiencing new things. Research shows that increasing neuroplasticity can change negative thought patterns.

Ketamine therapy is not for every depression patient

This therapy is not for patients with psychosis, for good reason. The dissociation can result in hallucinations. These may then develop into psychotic episodes. Patients with a history of substance abuse, as well as high intracranial pressure, should not have this treatment.

Administering ketamine

Ketamine therapy can work for patients when traditional antidepressants do not. The doctor will administer through an intravenous route in the arm. The effects of this treatment can last for days to weeks. The patient will receive three ketamine infusions during the first week, then two in the second week. Administering one infusion every week for three weeks will come next. A maintenance treatment of one infusion for each month will follow.

Ketamine can also come in a dissolvable tablet under the tongue. Another form of ketamine is an injection into a muscle group. Ketamine therapy is not ideal for people with unstable cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure may worsen with this treatment.

You can enjoy using ketamine for depression

There is still hope for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine therapy can provide the correction that they need. The quick and lasting relief results from triggering receptors in the brain. This can then make your thoughts more positive. The effect brings new hope and a better quality of life for patients with severe depression.

Get more information about Optimal Medical Group in Fresno at https://omgwellnessmd.com.

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