How Ketamine May Be The Answer To Treatment-Resistant Depression
Once seen as nothing more than an anesthetic or a recreational drug, ketamine is now being studied for its potential in treating treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions.
Although it is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration, off-label, supervised use of ketamine, a Schedule III substance, is allowed on a case-to-case basis in mental health treatment. What is FDA-approved, however, is esketamine, a close relative of ketamine that has shown promise in treating depression that isn’t responding to the usual treatment methods including therapy and medication. This is not surprising, as there is substantial evidence of ketamine’s therapeutic effects, with early studies linking its use to relief in depression symptoms.
More recently, ketamine is being studied for its therapeutic effects beyond depression. A study published in Ibrain suggests that ketamine could be beneficial in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in patients who have failed to respond to traditional treatments such as talk therapy and psychiatric medications. Animal research, clinical trials and case reports have shown significant reductions in PTSD-related symptoms and rapid antidepressant effects.
However, the same study also raises some concerns over the long-term efficacy and safety of the drug, particularly in light of its effects on the nervous system.
Another recent article published in Missouri Medicine explores the availability of unsupervised and unregulated ketamine treatment through online for-profit companies. The review discusses the dangers of patients self-administering ketamine at home, particularly in the absence of proper medical supervision.
While ketamine’s potential as a treatment for mental illness is undeniable and public interest in alternative therapies for certain conditions is evident, it’s crucial to use caution and evidence-based practices in ensuring patient safety and wellness.
One mental health company that addresses the demand for novel treatments in treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions is Being Health. I spoke to Dr. Allie Sharma, co-founder and chief medical officer at the New York City-based company, to gain perspective on what is involved in ketamine infusion therapy and why it is likely to lead a change in how we approach the mental health of those who find traditional methods of treatment ineffective. Here are two important things I learned from our conversation.
- There Are Safety Protocols And A Stringent Screening Process For Ketamine Infusion Therapy“Treatment-resistant depression is defined as at least two failed medication trials of antidepressants for the current episode of depression,” Dr. Sharma explained. “At Being Health, we have a rigorous screening process to ensure that the patients we treat meet the criteria for ketamine infusion therapy. This includes a thorough review of their medical history, current medications, and a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.”
- Personalized Treatment Plans And Ongoing Monitoring For Patient Well-being“Our approach at Being Health is to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and to closely monitor their progress throughout the infusion therapy,” Dr. Sharma emphasized. “We believe that ongoing monitoring is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, and we are committed to providing a supportive and comfortable environment for their treatment journey.”
As the research on ketamine’s potential in mental health treatment continues to evolve, it is clear that while there are promising findings, there are also important considerations regarding safety, regulation, and responsible use. The exploration of alternative therapies such as ketamine infusion therapy offers hope for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, but it is essential that these treatments are administered under appropriate medical supervision and with careful consideration of each patient’s unique circumstances.
