A Life-Changing Treatment Option

Ketamine is a medication that has been used in the medical community for anesthesia for years. In fact it’s effective use, and relatively low risk of adverse side effects, has placed it on the WHO’s essential list of drugs for quite some time. 

Ketamine, renowned for its longstanding use in anesthesia, has emerged as a powerful and rapid treatment for depression, particularly for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. 

Those who are diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression are not void of help. Treatment-resistant is a term that has come under scrutiny, but its usage generally means that an individual with major depression is not responding or responding well enough to first-line treatments like SSRIs, therapy, or both.

With its unique mechanism of action and minimal side effects, ketamine offers newfound hope for those who have not responded to traditional SSRIs. This article explores the legal aspects of ketamine usage, its benefits in psychiatry, and the importance of expert supervision.

The Rise of Ketamine Therapy

In recent years, ketamine therapy has become more well known, especially with the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, which strained mental health care systems. 

However a quick internet search for the term ‘Ketamine’ will show that many people, including Heading’s patient population in Texas, want to know if Ketamine is legal in their state, or legal at all. This isn’t all that surprising as many people only know about ketamine as a street or party drug. Like many other medications, it has been misused and mishandled.

The good news is that medically appropriate use of ketamine for mental health disorders such as major depression is not only legal, but game-changing for people who have struggled to find relief from other treatment modalities. 

Additionally, the release of Spravato®, the first FDA-approved ketamine variation for depression, has generated widespread interest in ketamine as a potent mental health treatment. Many individuals previously unaware of ketamine’s medicinal potential, associating it with illicit use, are now learning about its transformative effects in mental health support.

Ketamine centers across the country have begun to offer IV and IM ketamine, and Spravato®, and research is continuing to prove the efficacy of these therapies.

The Healing Potential of Ketamine

Beyond its anesthetic properties, ketamine can induce a dissociative state, offering patients an experience akin to a psychedelic journey. However, the therapeutic benefits extend far beyond the initial “trip.” Ketamine treatments, when administered under medical supervision, can lead to lasting improvements and neuroplasticity that inspire new ways of thinking, feeling, and processing experiences. 

While the trip gets a lot of buzz the therapeutic benefits of ketamine are reinforced through a full-series of treatment, and in coupling it with psychotherapy to maximize it’s benefits for behavioral and cognitive change.

The Legal Status of Ketamine

For medical purposes, ketamine is entirely legal and can be administered as a medication.

However, when used recreationally, it is illegal worldwide, given the risks of abuse and dependency associated with misuse.

Like any other medication, Ketamine is not a miracle drug. It is a tool in the psychiatric toolkit and needs to be used safely and effectively. It’s important for any patient to be fully evaluated to mitigate risks. To ensure safety, Heading conducts thorough evaluation and only provides ketamine therapy and Spravato® treatments in-center under professional supervision.

Psychiatric Use of Ketamine

Spravato® is FDA-approved for major depression resistant to other treatments, while other forms of ketamine therapy fall under off-label use. The medical community strongly supports the psychiatric usage of ketamine, thanks to consistent research and the approval of Spravato®. As access to ketamine expands, the practice of evidence-based medicine by qualified physicians remains pivotal.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

For psychiatric medical facilities like Heading, offering ketamine as an interventional service requires guidance from trained and qualified psychiatrists. Full psychiatric evaluations are conducted before commencing therapies, and patients are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout their treatment journey.

This level of support and supervision provides patients with a sense of safety and confidence in their treatment.

Embracing Best Practices

Centers that offer Spravato®, like Heading, go through a strict approval process and must adhere to rigorous protocols to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. These standards for Spravato® offer a clear benchmark for best practices that may be adopted for all ketamine therapies to ensure the best possible treatment for patients.

Professional organizations and researchers also play a crucial role in promoting experience sharing, evidence-based research, and education among clinicians working with ketamine.

Get in Touch with Heading

If you have questions about the safety and effectiveness of Ketamine treatments for depression or wish to schedule a consultation, reach out to the Heading staff.

Our team is eager to connect with you and learn more about your needs, helping you embark on a transformative journey towards improved mental health.

You are not alone.

At Heading we specialize in the treatment of depression.

Depression is often described as a cloud that comes over one’s life, blocking the sun. Sometimes depression can be sourced back to the onset of a particularly difficult time in life, but sometimes people experiencing depression cannot attribute their feelings to a particular circumstance or continue to struggle with their mood even after circumstances in their life have changed, or experience symptoms somewhat inexplicably. No matter the cause, known or unknown, depression makes life difficult, can be debilitating and sometimes life threatening, and is a mental health issue that should be taken seriously.

Depression experience is often characterized by feelings of sadness, an inability to experience pleasure, low mood, and a lack of motivation or energy. While everyone may feel down or “blue” at times, depression is much more persistent and should not be seen as a sign of weakness or something that can simply be overcome. In fact Depression is a leading cause of disability, and for those suffering from long-standing depression it can cause significant lapses in work and employment, further impacting their ability to engage in adequate care. 

Depression is a widespread issue in the United States, affecting over 16 million adults in 2016, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are different forms of depression, including Major Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is related to seasonal changes, Bipolar Depression, and Treatment-Resistant depression. Given its prevalence, it is important to emphasize that no one should suffer alone, and that is why Heading is here to help.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND MAJOR DEPRESSION

Depression can manifest in various forms, and one of the most commonly diagnosed types is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Major depression differs from regular depression in terms of severity and duration. While regular depression may have milder symptoms and last for a shorter period of time, Major Depressive Disorder involves more intense and persistent symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. It is crucial to recognize the distinction between the two, as proper diagnosis and treatment can be tailored accordingly.

COMBINATION THERAPY WITH MEDICATION AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

When it comes to treating depression, a combination of medication and psychotherapy, known as combination therapy, is often recommended. Medication is utilized to alleviate certain symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of appetite, or disrupted sleep patterns. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed in these cases.

Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), plays a vital role in combination therapy. CBT aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. By working with a therapist, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies, challenge distorted thinking, and learn effective problem-solving techniques. Psychotherapy helps individuals gain insights into their emotions and provides them with the tools to manage depressive symptoms.

For many people whose depression becomes major or severe, combination therapy is more effective than a single line of treatment alone.  However many people find that coordination of care between a therapist and psychiatrist can be time-consuming and difficult.  This is one reason why Psychiatrists and Therapists at Heading work together through the phases of care for those seeking more than one line of treatment. 

WHEN MAJOR DEPRESSION BECOMES TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION

In some cases, individuals with Major Depressive Disorder may not experience significant improvement even after receiving appropriate treatment. This is known as treatment-resistant depression. Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when symptoms persist despite adequate trials of different antidepressant medications and psychotherapy approaches.

When faced with treatment-resistant depression, it is crucial to consult with a mental health professional who can reassess the treatment plan. The therapist may recommend alternative medication options, such as different classes of antidepressants or augmentation strategies, which involve combining multiple medications to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, other therapeutic modalities like Spravato®, IM Ketamine, or  or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered for individuals who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Remember, depression is a treatable condition, and there is hope for recovery, even in cases of treatment-resistant depression. Seeking professional help and exploring different treatment options can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall well-being.

We are here to provide support and renewed hope that healing is possible. Together, we can work towards breaking free from the grip of depression and rediscovering the brightness in your life.