A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION
If you or someone you know suffers from treatment-resistant depression, you might feel as if there is nothing that can help. Fortunately, New Pathways Clinic provides breakthrough ketamine infusion treatments that are proven effective against otherwise treatment-resistant conditions such as depression. Contact us or stop by our offices in Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati to see if you can finally find relief from your treatment-resistant depression.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Depression is the most common mental health diagnosis in the United States. Over 15 million Americans have a major depressive episode every year. As staggering as those numbers are, a recent meta-analysis showed that conventional antidepressants are only able to provide relief to 54 percent of those suffering from depression. (Harvard Medical School).
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is any case of depression that cannot be treated through traditional antidepressants. Nearly half of all depression cases are classified as treatment-resistant depression, but thanks to new medical practices there is finally hope for those suffering from TRD.
Are Ketamine Infusions Effective Against Treatment-Resistant Depression?
In the past two decades, scientific literature has consistently shown that low doses of ketamine, administered through an IV, can rapidly relieve depressive symptoms in patients whose depression has been otherwise non-responsive to treatment.
“Ketamine’s remarkable rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects are considered to be ‘arguably the most important discovery in half a century’ for depression research” (Harvard Medical School) (Yale School of Medicine)
Ketamine infusions for depression are so effective, because they treat many of the symptoms seen in depressed patients.
“Ketamine significantly improved symptoms across a wide variety of domains including anhedonia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and quality of life.” (National Institute of Mental Health)
Ketamine infusions for depression are particularly effective in removing suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, even after the first treatment. “Overall, 69% of participants had a complete alleviation of suicidal ideation following repeated infusions. In treatment-resistant depression, single and repeated ketamine infusions resulted in decreases in suicidal ideation” (Royal Institute of Mental Health Research)
How Do Ketamine Infusions for Depression Work?
Ketamine infusions have a distinct advantage over other depression treatments because they target a wider area and interact with multiple brain receptors. “Ketamine affects different areas of the brain in various ways, which may contribute to overall mood improvements.” (Harvard Medical School) “Mounting evidence suggests ketamine administration produces a surge in glutamate neurotransmission in the brain, that is likely associated with the antidepressant effects.” (Yale School of Medicine).
Additionally, through FMRI brain scans, ketamine has been shown to grow new neural pathways and repair damaged neural pathways, allowing the brain a chance to heal. “Ketamine-mediated synaptic plasticity changes appear to occur within a matter of hours after ketamine administration.” (Mt. Sinai Hospital)
“Recent data suggest that ketamine, given intravenously, might be the most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.”
– Thomas Insel, MD
Ketamine treatment breaks up the rigidity of the negative thoughts and patterns of behavior that have been entrenched in people from long bouts of depression.
Ketamine infusion treatments have been found to increase hope and optimism within those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. This combination has a cascading effect that continues to work in the brain well after the medicine has left the system. This is a breakthrough property that provides a new type of relief free from daily usage or tapering.
Why Choose New Pathways Clinic of Ohio for Your Ketamine Infusions for Depression?
New Pathways’ Team has more than a decade of experience treating treatment-resistant patients with Ketamine infusions and we are ready to help guide you through this exciting new treatment. With a 70% success rate in a significant reduction of symptoms within a week, Ketamine infusions provide new hope for relief from the oppressive symptoms of depression.
Do anti-depressants feel like they are merely treating surface-level symptoms? Have anti-depression medications and counseling left you feeling like no treatment works for you? If so, you’re not alone. Contact New Pathways Clinic today and experience the life-changing benefits of our ketamine infusions for battling depression.
Schedule a free phone consultation with the experienced team at New Pathways Clinic and see if Ketamine treatments can help you at our Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati locations. You can learn more about how ketamine works by visiting this page.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Check out the FAQ’s or learn more about us here.
Also, feel free to contact us anytime with any questions you may have.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) FAQs
- What are the qualifying criteria for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)?
- How does one know if their current treatment is not effective enough to qualify for ketamine infusions?
- Can you describe the process and timeline for receiving ketamine infusions for TRD at New Pathways Clinic?
- What can patients expect during a ketamine infusion session?
- How quickly do patients typically respond to ketamine treatments, and how long can effects last?
- What are the potential side effects or risks associated with ketamine treatments for TRD?
- How does New Pathways Clinic support patients during the course of their treatment?
- Are there any long-term studies on the effectiveness of ketamine infusions for TRD?
- Can ketamine treatments be combined with other medications or psychotherapy?
- What are the next steps if someone is interested in exploring ketamine treatments for their TRD?
If you have tried two or more antidepressants in the past without seeing a positive result, you may qualify for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and could be a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.
To determine if your current treatment is not effectively managing your depression, we use PHQ-9 forms and other assessments. We recommend scheduling an initial assessment with our nurse practitioner to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.
The first step is to submit an intake form, which our admins will use to verify your insurance. Next, an initial assessment is scheduled with our nurse practitioner to determine if you are a suitable candidate for ketamine infusions. If approved, we will schedule your series of 6 infusions. The typical timeline from intake to starting treatment is about 2 weeks, but patients with urgent needs can be expedited.
New Pathways Clinic, we provide a quiet, private space for you to fully immerse in the treatment. A nurse will insert the IV, walk you through the process, and remain with you throughout the infusion. We provide an eye mask and encourage patients to bring earbuds or headphones to listen to a curated, relaxing playlist. After the infusion, you will receive an IV to rehydrate as you regain lucidity. The entire process is designed to be very relaxing. The nurse practitioner will also discuss your experience and address any medical questions or concerns you may have.
Response times vary from person to person. Some may notice effects as soon as the first treatment, while others typically feel some symptom alleviation within the first week. The effects of ketamine infusions can last indefinitely, although many patients choose to return for periodic booster treatments to maintain their progress.
During the infusion, some patients may experience nausea, tiredness, confusion, or dizziness. However, these symptoms rarely persist longer than the day of treatment.
Throughout your ketamine infusion, a nurse will be present to provide support as needed. Your nurse practitioner is also available before and after treatments to address any questions or concerns you may have. Following your treatment series, we offer a support group led by the nurse practitioner. Additionally, patients can schedule follow-up medication management appointments. For those interested, our nurse practitioner now offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Yes, long-term studies suggest that ketamine infusions are 70% effective in helping patients achieve remission from treatment-resistant depression.
Yes, ketamine infusions can be combined with other treatments, although this will be determined and prescribed by a nurse practitioner or other medical professional. Our nurse practitioner is excited to now offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KATP) as a complementary treatment option.
If you are interested in exploring ketamine infusion therapy for your treatment-resistant depression, the first step is to fill out our online survey or call the clinic directly. After that, you will receive an intake form to begin the process of determining if ketamine treatments are right for you.