Depression is one of the most common mental health diagnoses in the United States, with over 21 million Americans experiencing a major depressive episode every year. Not only that, but conventional methods aren’t always the answer; many suffering from depression aren’t responsive to SSRIs or therapy.
This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), is typically diagnosed when depression does not adequately improve after treatment with at least two antidepressant medications. Fortunately, newer treatment options are helping many patients find relief and renewed hope when traditional methods have fallen short.
Over the past two decades, clinical research has shown the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine infusions in individuals living with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to take full effect, ketamine has demonstrated the potential to reduce symptoms within days or even hours for some patients. Research also suggests that ketamine may help decrease suicidal ideation and intrusive depressive thoughts, even early in treatment.
Studies on repeated low-dose ketamine infusions have found significant reductions in suicidal thinking among patients with treatment-resistant depression, offering new hope for individuals who have not found relief through traditional medications or therapy alone. By targeting different pathways in the brain than conventional antidepressants, ketamine therapy represents an innovative approach to depression treatment supported by a growing body of scientific research.
Ketamine infusions are thought to work differently from traditional antidepressant treatments by acting on multiple receptor systems in the brain. Because ketamine is believed to increase glutamine activity, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and neuroplasticity, this broader mechanism of action is believed to contribute to its rapid and noticeable effects on mood in some patients.
“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, providing a new type of relief free from daily usage or tapering.
With clinical studies showing significant improvement in depressive symptoms for many patients with treatment-resistant conditions, ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a promising option for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Do medications feel like they only address surface-level symptoms?
Have you tried medications or therapy without experiencing meaningful or lasting relief?
Schedule a free phone consultation with our experienced team at New Pathways Clinic to learn whether ketamine treatment is right for your care.
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 six infusions. The typical timeline from intake to starting treatment is about 2 weeks, but patients with urgent needs can be expedited.
At New Pathways Clinic, we provide a quiet, private space for you to fully immerse yourself in the treatment. A nurse will insert the IV, walk you through the process, and remain with you throughout the entire 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, studies suggest that ketamine infusions are extremely effective in helping patients achieve remission from treatment-resistant depression. To learn more, visit our Ketamine Infusion Research Portal.
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.