Is Ketamine the Right Depression Treatment You?

As psychiatrists, the team at Mental Health and Wellness Associates have seen the devastating effects that mental health conditions can have on our patients and their loved ones. That is why we are always on the lookout for new and innovative treatments that can help our patients. 

One such treatment that has been gaining attention and interest in recent years is the use of ketamine for the treatment of mental health conditions. In this article, we will explain how ketamine is used to treat mental health conditions and provide some research articles to support our opinions.

It is well established that Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades to treat pain and as an anesthetic in surgical procedures. However, in recent years, ketamine has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These effects can occur within hours to days after administration of the drug. This is a huge breakthrough because it is in stark contrast to traditional antidepressant medications, which can take weeks or months to have a robust effect.

The exact mechanism by which ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects is still not fully understood. However, it is believed that ketamine works by blocking a specific type of glutamate receptor in the brain called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. This leads to an increase in the release of a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for the growth and survival of neurons. By increasing BDNF levels, ketamine promotes the growth and formation of new connections between neurons, which may help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.

Several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of ketamine in the treatment of mental health conditions. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, Zarate et al. (2006) found that a single intravenous dose of ketamine led to a significant improvement in symptoms of depression within 2 hours of administration. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found that ketamine had a significant antidepressant effect compared to placebo (Sanacora et al., 2017).

It is important to note that ketamine is not without its risks. The most common side effects of ketamine include dissociation, hallucinations, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These side effects are generally mild and short-lived, but in rare cases, more serious side effects such as respiratory depression and cardiovascular complications can occur. For this reason, ketamine should only be administered by a trained medical professional in a controlled environment. 

It is also important to consider who provides the ketamine treatment and their experience with mental health. Ketamine is not a one size fits all or a silver bullet. Many of our patients have discussed finding ketamine clinics that seem to offer ketamine as a treatment for almost any ailment or mental health symptom imaginable. 

At Mental Health and Wellness Associates our top psychiatrists provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and can help you to better understand all of your treatment options, including ketamine. Ketamine may be an excellent option for you to consider but you should always understand all of your options and the pro and cons of each. As they say, if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. The same is true of Ketamine, if you see a treatment provider who only offers Ketamine treatment, all they can/will offer you is ketamine. 

Ketamine has shown great promise as a treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Its rapid antidepressant effects make it an attractive option for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. However, as with any medication, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to consult with a medical professional before starting treatment.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:
Sanacora, G., Frye, M. A., McDonald, W., Mathew, S. J., Turner, M. S., Schatzberg, A. F., ... & Nemeroff, C. B. (2017). A consensus statement on the use of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. JAMA psychiatry, 74(4), 399-405.

Zarate Jr, C. A., Singh, J. B., Carlson, P. J., Brutsche, N. E., Ameli, R., Luckenbaugh, D. A., ... & Manji, H. K. (2006). A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist in treatment-resistant major depression. Archives of general psychiatry, 63(8), 856-864.