Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression occurs as part of bipolar disorder, which is characterized by both depression and mania. During bipolar depression, patients often feel sad, lose interest or pleasure in activities, undergo changes in diet or sleep, experience fatigue or worthlessness, and develop difficulty with thinking, as with unipolar depression. During bipolar mania, patients have an abnormally elevated mood or level of energy/activity. Depressive symptoms are usually more common in bipolar disorder. In some cases, symptoms of both mania and depression can occur simultaneously (depressive mania). A lifelong illness, bipolar disorder can lead to significant impairment of social or occupational function, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide. 

Treatment of bipolar disorder consists of counseling and a variety of prescribed medications (eg, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications). However, such therapies have the same problems of that with unipolar depression: delayed onset by weeks, numerous side effects, and treatment resistance. In general, the depression associated with bipolar disease is more difficult to treat than unipolar depression. 

Evidence has been gathering to suggest that ketamine can work to treat the depression bipolar of bipolar disorder, similar to its effect with unipolar depression. A recent review found that the majority of patients with bipolar depression experienced a reduction in depression severity by at least 50% with ketamine use. Of note, out of 135 patients, only 2 developed manic symptoms. These encouraging findings offer new hope that ketamine can improve the lives of those suffering from bipolar depression.

We believe that mental health is a right and should be available to all. Our IV ketamine treatment for depression starts at $425 for a 1-2 hour, highly personalized session. It is a longer period than that at most other centers, but one we found produces a more robust and long-lasting effect.

Ketamine is not a substitute for accepted treatments from a qualified professional mental health provider. If you or your loved one is interested in ketamine as a supplement or alternative to traditional therapy, please give us a call for a free consultation.