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.
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)
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.
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 and Columbus locations. You can learn more about how ketamine works by visiting this page.
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