Treatments for mental health are constantly evolving. One such groundbreaking option is Ketamine. This treatment is gaining people’s attention worldwide for its power to transform the lives of those battling depression and related disorders.
Traditional medicines for anxiety and depression are not very effective. For instance, only 40% to 47% of people who take SSRI/SNRI antidepressants see improvement in symptoms.
According to a National Mental Health Alliance survey, 531,000 adults in Connecticut have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Therefore, ketamine therapy in Connecticut can benefit people suffering from this problem. But before booking your appointment for therapy read the article to know what you are signing up for.
What is Ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was first used in Belgium in the 1960s. It is an FDA-approved drug that was used to treat soldiers on the battlefields in the Vietnam War.
However, presently, it is not used for its anesthetic properties but for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. For instance, it is used to rescue people who may have attempted suicide. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take months to produce a noticeable effect, ketamine provides rapid relief. Some patients witness significant improvement within hours or days after one session of Ketamine.
However, one must remember that a person’s mental health is very important. Therefore, individuals must only proceed with this treatment under expert guidance.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
While most antidepressants target serotonin and norepinephrine, Ketamine influences glutamate an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Ketamine comes in several forms. However, only Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA approved. This nasal spray is administered to people who have never taken an antidepressant pill or when the pill has been ineffective. The healthcare professionals monitor the person for 2 hours after administering the spray.
The ketamine sessions continue for several weeks. The spray is applied twice daily for the first 1 to 4 weeks and after the 4th week, it is applied once daily. After the 9th week, it is applied once every 2nd week depending on the severity.
Further, therapists and mental health professionals are integral to the treatment. They engage the patient in talk therapy during the treatment, providing guidance and support.
What is the Evidence that Ketamine Therapy Works?
Numerous studies have shown that Ketamine therapy works rapidly compared to other antidepressants. The studies are promising and have shown to improve signs of depression in 50% to 70% of the patients.
Traditional antidepressants take weeks and months to show significant results but Ketamine is effective from the first dosage. Ketamine therapy is not just a short-term solution like other psychedelic drugs like psilocybin. It can bring long-lasting results. It helps people regain a sense of purpose and help them enjoy their lives.
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine treatment is helpful for people who have been suffering from mental illness for a long time and are resistant to other forms of treatment. It is generally used for people with acute depression and suicidal tendencies. It can also be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic disorders (PTSD) and bipolar disorders. Here, it is essential to note that Ketamine therapy is not suitable for people with tendencies such as psychosis.
Essential Considerations for Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is an excellent solution for people with mental illness. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Ketamine should be administered under trained medical professionals in a clinical setting.
- The dosage and administration processes must be carefully controlled to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.
- After administering the dose, one may feel dizziness, dissociation, increased blood pressure and nausea. These side effects are short-lived and can be managed by healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy is a significant shift in treating depression and other mental disorders. Its rapid-acting nature and transformative potential offer hope for those struggling to find relief. However it is not the ultimate solution for every mental illness. It is a treatment that is beneficial only in certain circumstances.
The severity of the disease and resistance to other treatments are some of the things that affect the treatment’s benefits. Lastly, remember that no matter which route you take for your mental illness it is extremely crucial to proceed under professional guidance. Any steps taken with the supervision of experts can cost lives.
