Ketamine treatment for depression is a new method for individuals who have not been able to respond to other treatments. What is Ketamine treatment? Ketamine is a synthetic drug that was first used as a short-lasting anesthetic on the battlefield. Through medical advancements more light has been shed on the benefits of Ketamine. More clinical evidence has emerged suggesting Ketamine can help alleviate depression and thoughts of suicide as a fast-acting treatment. CALL US Understanding Depression Depression is a medical condition that affects a person’s emotions and feelings.1 But it’s more than just feeling unhappy. When someone is depressed, they may: Feel sad or empty for a long timeLose interest in hobbiesHave trouble sleeping or eating This mental illness is a common one that affects people of all ages. Many factors can cause it, including: GeneticsLife eventsChemical imbalances in the brain It’s important to know that depression isn’t a sign of weakness—nor is it something someone can simply “snap out of.” If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it’s critical to get help. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a mix of both. It’s possible to manage depression symptoms and enjoy life again with the right treatment and support. Depression and the Brain The brain plays a crucial role in depression. It controls how you feel, think, and act. When something goes awry with your brain chemistry or structure, you may experience depression symptoms. Depression affects hormone levels in the body. When your hormones are out of balance, they can cause problems like weight gain or loss, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Depression Affects More Than Just Your Mood Depression can immensely impact a person’s quality of life. When you’re depressed, you may: Feel sad, anxious, and hopelessLose interest in your hobbiesHave trouble sleeping, eating, and concentratingPerform poorly in school and/or work This condition can also affect your relationship with other people. Patients with depression often: Withdraw from friends and familyFeel isolated and aloneHave trouble communicating thoughts and feelings In severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts.2 It’s important to remember that depression is a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment and support. How Ketamine Therapy Works Chief psychiatrist at Yale Medicine, Dr. John Krystal, is one of the pioneers of Ketamine research, and his studies show how Ketamine for depression is effective and revolutionary. He explains that “when you take Ketamine, it triggers reactions in your cortex that enable brain connections to regrow. It’s the reaction to Ketamine, not the presence of Ketamine in the body that constitutes its effects.” Dr Krystal also talks about the differences between traditional drugs for depression and anxiety and Ketamine. He says “with most medications, like Valium, the anti-anxiety effect you get only lasts when it is in your system. When the valium goes away, you can get rebound anxiety.” Unlike traditional SSRIs (like Zoloft or Prozac) or Benzodiazepines (like Valium or Xanax) that are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, Ketamine works differently. Antidepressants help regulate chemicals in the brain and Ketamine does not influence those chemicals. Instead, Ketamine pushes the production of glutamate, and glutamate impacts neuroplasticity. Through this process the brain is allowed to create new neuropathways and the brain literally restructures itself. This is why researchers are talking about the discovery of Ketamine as “the biggest breakthrough in the field of depression in over 60 years”. Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression as a Long-Term Solution Ketamine is a novel player in the field of depression treatment. It works differently than traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working. Ketamine can provide quick relief by increasing glutamate levels in the brain, which improves communication between brain cells. Studies have shown that Ketamine can provide rapid relief (within an hour) for depression symptoms.3 Ketamine provides short-term relief for depression symptoms. Some patients who have tried traditional antidepressants without relief have found success with Ketamine. It’s worth noting that Ketamine works best when used as part of an extensive treatment plan, which may include: Lifestyle changesTherapyOther medications Industry experts continue to research and share findings every day. But for now, it’s not entirely clear whether ketamine is a good long-term solution for treating depression. Get optimal relief from depression with Ketamine infusions by visiting a respectable provider like Ketamine Therapy SLC. We’ll evaluate your depression symptoms and come up with a viable treatment option for your needs. Other Conditions That Can Be Treated with Ketamine Ketamine treatment for depression is promising not only for treatment-resistant depression, it also works in therapeutic situations for other conditions. Some of those conditions include: Suicidal ideationAnxietyObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)Bipolar disorderMigrainesChronic painPTSD There is also a form of Ketamine called Esketamine, a nasal spray, that is FDA-approved specifically for depression resistant to treatment. Ketamine for Depression FAQs How Does IV Ketamine for Depression Compare to Traditional Antidepressants? How Do I Find Ketamine for Depression Near Me in Salt Lake City? How Long Does Ketamine for Depression Last? Experience Ketamine for Depression in Salt Lake City At the Ketamine Therapy SLC at Therapeutic Alternatives, we are entirely devoted to bringing our clients this unique healing modality for depression and total mind wellness. Our providers are Candace, our licensed mental health professional, and Austin, our board-certified nurse practitioner. Both are trained in Emotion-Focused Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Each of them also has extensive experience working in mental health settings. To learn more about our treatment plans focused on Ketamine for depression, call Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives at 385-685-1410 to schedule your free consultation today. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives offers the lowest prices for Ketamine therapy treatment in the area and is committed to providing healing for the body and mind to the Salt Lake City and West Jordan, Utah area.