Ketamine Therapy Benefits

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a novel treatment that has been referred to as one of the biggest breakthroughs in depression management. It has been used in anesthesia for decades and was first approved by the FDA as a field anesthetic for wounded American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

In recent years, ketamine has demonstrated highly effective results for those with treatment-resistant conditions, such as depression. This is revolutionary considering nearly one third of patients with depression don’t respond to traditional forms of treatment, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry (Rush et al. 2006).

By using ketamine, patients can adopt a healthier mindset and behaviors. Studies from Yale research labs found this kind of effect was not present with traditional antidepressants.

Ketamine’s properties have been used to treat other conditions including OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and migraine.

What Are the Benefits of Ketamine?

For those suffering from mood disorders that have resisted conventional treatments, ketamine therapy’s benefits can be significant. It is believed to block and even reverse the damaging effects of glutamate in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that can build up to toxic levels in the brain during periods of prolonged stress.

When there is too much glutamate, it damages synapses and results in miscommunications between those associated with regulating mood. Research has indicated that the use of ketamine can halt this process and restore more typical functionality. This is one of the main reasons why ketamine infusions may be a promising alternative for those whose conditions have not improved through other treatments.

Another advantage this type of therapy has over others is that it can show positive results within hours of treatment, as opposed to the much longer timeframes required by traditional methods. Click here to learn more about pricing plans for treatment.

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References:

Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisnlewski SR et al (2006) Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiat 163:1905–1917