Ketamine for Depression Overview
Every individual experiences a feeling of sadness from time to time, but the feeling usually passes. When feelings of sadness, emptiness and hopelessness become a chronic, daily occurrence, a person may be diagnosed with depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder. It is reported approximately one-third of depression sufferers will not achieve symptom relief with traditional depression treatments. There is now hope when common antidepressants fail – ketamine for depression. Leading the way in depression treatment in the Dallas, Plano, and Richardson, Texas communities, Texas Ketamine Specialists offers ketamine infusion therapy, which has been named one of the best mental health advancements in years.
What is Depression?
Depression is quite common in the United States, but is a serious mood disorder. The condition causes individuals to change how they think, feel, and handle daily activities. Many sufferers find it difficult to enjoy everyday life and engage with family and friends.
Depression does not impact all people the same way. Some individuals will experience sadness that does not go away, while others may not experience any sad feelings but lose interest in hobbies and activities.
The most common depression signs and symptoms include:
- A persistent sad or “empty” mood
- Hopelessness
- Guilt, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Loss of energy and general fatigue
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies and activities
- Difficulty making decisions and concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Why Depression Treatment is Critical
The first step in depression treatment is visiting with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or therapist. The medical professional will perform a thorough examination, understand your unique situation, and order lab tests to reach a concrete diagnosis of depression. Once diagnosed, depression treatment will begin and often includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.
If depression symptoms remain untreated, either by avoidance of the condition or from incorrect treatment, the risk of drug and alcohol dependence, as well as suicide, greatly rises.
Ketamine for Depression – A Life Changer
Ketamine for depression forever changed the options for depression treatment. With over 33% of sufferers not achieving symptom relief with traditional antidepressants, a safe and effective alternative treatment was necessary to quickly eliminate the many life-changing symptoms associated with the condition.
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that was developed in the 1960s and is still commonly used in adults, children and even pets. In more recent years, medical researchers have discovered that ketamine works for depression at a rate much faster than traditional antidepressants, and even works when these medications fail patients.
Many patients undergoing ketamine for depression with Texas Ketamine Specialists require only 1-2 ketamine infusions to determine if the treatment is effective. If positive results are achieved, a patient usually receives 6 total infusions within a few weeks. A maintenance booster may then be necessary every 2-4 months.
For additional resources on ketamine for depression, or to determine if you are a candidate for this depression treatment, please contact the Dallas, Plano, and Richardson Texas area office of Texas Ketamine Specialists.
