Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ is here to provide ketamine treatments for those living with depression. We specialize in ketamine infusions, helping individuals find relief from their symptoms when the traditional treatments have not provided the necessary results. Our ketamine infusion treatments are administered with safety and comfort in mind, helping you feel secure when it comes to your health.
With an impressive track record, ketamine offers promising hope for those who suffer from severe cases or feel they’ve exhausted other options. But what is ketamine exactly? And how does it work? Read on to learn more about this revolutionary approach to treating depression and why it could be just what you need.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that has been proven to be invaluable within medicine. Developed in the 1960s and 1970s as an anesthetic, ketamine can induce loss of consciousness and provide sedation and a reduced pain sensation. It was developed to create a safer anesthetic with fewer hallucinogenic effects than phencyclidine, its predecessor. Nowadays, ketamine is frequently prescribed by physicians around the globe due to its many benefits and reliable effectiveness.
What is Depression?
While ketamine can be a successful treatment for depression, it’s essential to understand what depression is and its many forms to find the best course of action. Depression is a mental health disorder that causes persistent sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. It affects how you think, feel, and behave and can lead to physical issues such as fatigue or changes in appetite.
Understanding what type of depression you’re experiencing is critical to successfully treating it. There are several types of depression, including:
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves and can interfere with daily functioning. People with MDD often feel severely low, sad, or hopeless for extended periods with no visible cause. Indicators of MDD vary between individuals, but typical symptoms include fatigue or energy loss, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, sleep disturbances, and reduced pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by severe mood swings. It is also known as manic-depressive illness, as it affects a person’s state of mind and ability to function daily. Individuals with bipolar disorder often experience alternating periods of mania, characterized by highly elevated moods or energy levels, and depression, which involves feelings of sadness or emptiness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, is a form of depression that typically follows regular patterns, occurring in the same season each year. The most common type of SAD is winter depression, which typically begins in late fall and ends in early spring. The symptoms of SAD may be similar to those experienced with other forms of depression. They can include changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, changes in appetite or weight loss, problems concentrating, and lack of interest in activities that are usually enjoyable.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a real and serious condition affecting up to 15% of new mothers, making it the most common complication of childbirth. It can cause feelings of sadness, desperation, worthlessness, and isolation that persist for a significant amount of time after delivery. Common symptoms include insomnia or oversleeping, exhaustion and fatigue, changes in appetite or eating habits, irritability and frustration, frequent crying bouts, or feelings of hopelessness.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder, commonly referred to as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder, is a mood disorder with low-grade depression that persists for two years or more. It is less severe than major depressive disorder but chronic and accompanied by helplessness and hopelessness. Characteristic signs and symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include anhedonia (decreased pleasure in activities), fatigue, low self-esteem, irritability, overeating/undereating, poor concentration/focus, and sleep disturbances.
How Does Ketamine Help Depression?
Ketamine binds to receptors in the brain and increases glutamate, a neurotransmitter that impacts pain and mood. This action helps to balance neurotransmitters and receptor chemicals in the brain, alleviating symptoms of depression. Its effects can be felt after a single dose while lasting much longer when compared to typical antidepressants. Truly impressive, ketamine has become an invaluable asset for those suffering from depression.
What Should You Anticipate During a Ketamine Treatment?
Before beginning ketamine treatment, a consultation is necessary. Here, we will discuss your concerns in detail to know if ketamine suits you and how many sessions are recommended for maximum results.
On the day of the appointment, we will ensure that the prescribed dosage meets your unique medical needs. After the session, you can return to your work without disruption. Over the days following the ketamine treatment, the most prominent symptoms of depression will likely show a significant reduction.
What Makes You A Good Candidate For Ketamine Treatments For Depression?
Ideal candidates for ketamine infusions are typically those who have experienced severe or long-term depression that has not responded to traditional treatments such as medications or therapy. Better yet, ketamine has been known to provide rapid relief where other treatments have failed. To determine if ketamine will be beneficial, we strongly recommend speaking with a trusted care team member to receive personalized guidance.
Achieve Rapid Relief From Depression with Ketamine Therapy Now
At Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ, ketamine therapy is provided for those suffering from depression. Our ketamine treatments have yielded positive results in various patients, with notable improvements observed rapidly throughout treatment. Patients can rest assured knowing that our ketamine therapy is safe and effective as it has been shown to relieve symptoms of depression while minimizing potential side effects effectively.
Our dedicated team works diligently towards helping those receiving ketamine treatment make meaningful progress in their recovery process. For those seeking ketamine treatment for depression, contact or call us today for a consultation to learn more about ketamine therapy and how it can benefit you.