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December 27, 2019Using Ketamine Treatment for Depression
Over 17 million adults in the United States are estimated to have struggled with at least one major depressive disorder in 2017.1
As providers of depression treatment in South Florida, we know that depression is a devastating mental health disorder that can leave a person feeling helpless and in some cases willing to take their own life. Many people in this situation may struggle to find relief. For some people, therapy and their current medications are not enough but ketamine therapy could be a new solution.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a drug that was initially used as an anesthetic as well as to ease pain. Over the years, its medical use was put to the side and many people began abusing it. Ketamine became categorized as a club drug for its hallucinogenic qualities as well as its use as a date-rape drug. Misused, people may become dependent on the drug and require addiction treatment. More recently, researchers have started to investigate the use of ketamine to treat depression.The Relationship Between Ketamine and Depression
Left alone, depression can have serious consequences. In some cases, it can lead to a drug or alcohol problem that now requires co-occurring disorder treatment to get better. In more serious cases, people can become suicidal, but ketamine could be a promising new answer.Some people have exhibited signs of treatment-resistant depression where nothing seems to help their depression, but one study found that intravenous ketamine therapy could help these people with their depression in as little as two hours after treatment with 71% meeting response criteria and 29% meeting remission criteria the day after.2 Another study found that ketamine was effective in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people with treatment-resistant depression.3
Although the drug may seem like a miracle cure, there can be some unpleasant side effects for some people and the results are most effective when combined with a comprehensive approach to treatment. For now, ketamine treatment for depression has been converted into a nasal spray and has been approved by the FDA for use. If research continues to support its effectiveness, the beneficial relationship between the use of ketamine and depression treatment could lead to the drug’s mainstream use in programs for mental health treatment around the United States as well as the world.
No one should have to live with depression. If you or someone you love is battling depression, there is hope. Take the first steps toward recovery with us by your side.
To get more details on our programs at Banyan Mental Health, call us today at 888-280-4763.
Sources:
Alyssa
Alyssa is Banyan’s Director of Digital Marketing & Technology. After overcoming her own struggles with addiction, she began working in the treatment field in 2012. She graduated from Palm Beach State College in 2016 with additional education in Salesforce University programs. A part of the Banyan team since 2016, Alyssa brings over 5 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.
