We are not exempted from life’s problems. At some point in life, we will encounter problems that may test our faith and patience. Some people may be able to overcome those trials. But for others, it can cause depression and lead to mental health breakdowns.
Problems in life will always be there. It depends on how you handle them. However, there are times when such personal issues can make a person worse in all aspects.
To prevent the further downfall of the person, he or she should undergo some kind of treatment. For one, a ketamine psychotherapist in San Anselmo, CA, can help address mental help issues.
What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is the generic name of popular medications such as Ketaset and Ketalar. It is approved by the FDA but is originally intended as an anesthetic. However, recent studies reveal how ketamine has a strong potential in treating depression.
Apparently, ketamine therapy provides relief for patients who have gotten other treatments but to no avail. Ketamine, when used as an anesthetic, can offer pain relief. However, you should be careful when taken in higher dosage.
Ketamine is also a popular substance known as “Special K,” and is popular in the rave scene. Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding this drug, a lot of medical institutions offer ketamine therapy for patients with depression and the like.
Studies show that around 12 percent of Americans experience depression and are taking medications for it. Depression is also a major cause of disability worldwide.
Benefits of ketamine
Ketamine is “the most important breakthrough anti-depressant in decades,” according to Thomas Insel, the National Institute of Mental Health’s director. Ketamine infusion clinics are open throughout the U.S.
Reports said that this treatment has up to a 70 percent success rate in treating different forms of depression. Among noted benefits of ketamine treatment include the treatment of:
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pains
- Headache and migraine
- Inflammatory disorders
It may have its set of side effects. However, reports showed that ketamine could help cure depression within a few hours after taking it. On the other hand, traditional anti-depressant treatments may take weeks to take effect. Ketamine is also used in other medical procedures such as skin grafting.
In addition, ketamine is used as anesthesia and to treat specific seizure types. Likewise, it can be a stronger alternative for addictive pain relievers such as morphine. Ketamine therapy involves using an intravenous infusion of the said drug.
It promises to provide relief from the symptoms of depression and last for several weeks. Patients who intend on availing ketamine therapy should have a recommendation from a doctor. After the patient assessment, they will receive the treatment.
You may expect to feel relaxed while receiving the treatment. Aside from intravenous infusion, ketamine may soon be available in nasal mist form.
Depression is a major mental health issue that should be addressed. Otherwise, it can lead to destructive behavior or even end a person’s life.
There are a lot of treatments available to cure depression and other mental conditions. But before trying these medications, make sure to get the go-signal from your doctor first.
