Ketamine therapy employs a medication long used in anesthesia to treat depression and other mental health disorders. Traditional treatments for these disorders do not always work, and not everyone can tolerate the side effects of traditional drugs. Even though it is newer, psychiatrists are observing that ketamine is already showing promise in the treatment of many mental health issues.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that, when used in smaller doses, can help improve symptoms of mental health conditions from depression to substance abuse disorder. Ketamine therapy is often combined with more traditional therapies such as psychotherapy. Though the mechanism by which ketamine improves symptoms of mental health disorders is still being studied, it is thought that this therapy helps the brain create new neural connections that result in the relief of symptoms.
A key benefit of this therapy is the range of mental health conditions it may treat. Esketamine, a drug very similar chemically to ketamine, is the only version of ketamine therapy FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. Currently, esketamine is recommended for treatment-resistant depression or TRD. However, doctors can safely use ketamine off-label to treat a range of other mental health. In addition to depression, ketamine can help in the treatment of the following:
Ketamine therapy comes in various forms, including the FDA-approved nasal spray esketamine, intravenous infusions, and intermuscular injections. Treatments typically involve a series of sessions over several weeks.
In addition to ketamine therapy's versatility, patients can benefit from this treatment in a number of other ways. First, ketamine therapy works fast, which is why it can be so vital in treating suicidal ideations. Instead of waiting weeks for the typical antidepressant to work, patients can see immediate results. Second, traditional antidepressants often come with a number of unappealing side effects that certain patients cannot tolerate. Third, ketamine offers a treatment that does not involve having to remember to take a pill every day.
One final benefit is the potential for ketamine therapy to bring lasting relief. Currently, like most mental health drugs, the effects of ketamine wear off after the patient discontinues treatment. This treatment can help patients struggling with symptoms of mental health disorders, but should not be the only treatment option. In many cases, ketamine treatment works in tandem with other treatments that combine therapy techniques, lifestyle changes, and medication to help patients learn to manage symptoms.
Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center is dedicated to providing our patients with state-of-the-art psychiatric and mental health services. Therefore, we stay on top of the latest advancements in psychiatric medicine. We help our patients living with mental health disorders manage their conditions and lead happier lives. Call our team today to learn more about ketamine therapy.
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.
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