Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?

Ketamine therapy has helped many patients with depression alleviate many of their daily symptoms. This therapy may be ideal if you have tried alternative depression treatments that have not provided the level of relief that you desire. In this review, we closely examine when you should consider ketamine therapy and when it may be recommended.

Ketamine therapy: Definition, benefits, and when to consider treatment

This is a detailed overview of ketamine therapy, highlighting what it is, the reported benefits among patients who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), when it may be recommended by a wellness professional, and how it compares to alternative treatment solutions.

What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy is an FDA-approved treatment method for TRD. Ketamine has long been used for a multitude of purposes, most commonly as an anesthetic. However, since the therapy was approved by the FDA in 2019, it has been used in low doses to help treat patients with severe cases of depression. In some cases, ketamine therapy is also used for pain relief and management.

What are the reported benefits of ketamine therapy?

The benefits of ketamine therapy vary for each person. However, many patients report alleviated depression symptoms. Notably, the commonly reported benefits of ketamine therapy when used to treat TRD or major-depressive disorder include the following:

• It helps calm the mind and consequently, may reduce feelings of sadness, anxiety, and other depression-related symptoms
• It provides fast relief; patients who chose ketamine therapy often see relief within an hour of starting each treatment session
• It may help reduce symptoms of other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• It may help patients with TRD alleviate suicidal ideation and other self-harm thoughts and behaviors

Patients who use ketamine therapy for pain relief purposes may be able to reduce their dependence on narcotic painkillers. It can provide significant benefits for patients who take painkillers and have TRD. Ultimately, the benefits that a patient can expect depend on the specifics of their case. That said, they must meet with a wellness practitioner and discuss whether ketamine therapy is right for them before starting treatment. All treatments should be performed in a supervised setting; recreational use of ketamine is dangerous and should never be considered.

When is ketamine therapy recommended?

Ketamine therapy is an available treatment option for patients who have a severe case of depression that has not improved from other treatment solutions, such as antibiotics and talk therapy. A diagnosis of TRD may be necessary before starting ketamine therapy.

For patients who have already been diagnosed with TRD, ketamine therapy may be a recommended treatment solution. Patients who have yet to start any depression treatment may benefit more from psychotherapy (i.e., talk therapy), prescription antibiotics, lifestyle changes, and other alternative depression treatment solutions. A patient should visit a professional who offers ketamine therapy to determine if it is suitable for their treatment plan or if alternative treatments are more appropriate before starting ketamine therapy.

Ketamine therapy vs. alternative solutions

Professionals may recommend alternative treatment solutions before allowing patients to try ketamine therapy for depression, such as lifestyle changes, dietary changes, talk therapy (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy), and antidepressants. Rarely is ketamine therapy recommended initially upon diagnosis.

For many patients, the initial treatment plan is effective at symptom alleviation. However, this is not always the case. For some people with depression, antidepressants are not effective, and talk therapy may not be enough on its own to help the patient feel and function in an ideal manner. When this is the case, ketamine therapy may be tried. Patients should keep in mind that ketamine therapy is not intended as a sole form of treatment. Instead, it is used with a more comprehensive treatment plan that may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants.

Our wellness center offers ketamine therapy treatment for depression

Here at our wellness center, we take pride in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression, or TRD, find symptom relief. Ketamine therapy is one of the many ways that we help patients. If you are considering treatment for your depression, whether it is TRD or something similar, and would like to schedule a visit to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options, please call or visit us. We would be glad to answer any of your questions and address your concerns and help you make an informed decision. 

Contact our office today! We are here to help you! 

Get more information here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118

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