Depression

More than mere situational sadness, depression is a serious mood disturbance  in which patients feel sad and hopeless nearly all the time. They lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Patients may feel fatigued or guilty, be unable to think clearly, experience changes in appetite and sleep, and feel suicidal. Depression is common, affecting roughly one in six Americans over their lifetimes. About 10-20% of pregnant patients develop postpartum depression. COVID-19 has tripled its frequency. 

Conventional treatment consists of talk therapy and prescribed medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Such treatments can be successful when used appropriately, but several problems exist. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be considered for drug-resistance. Nearly two out of three people never seek or receive proper treatment. For those that do, the response time can take weeks to months, a risk for suicide. Many patient relapse after an initial positive response. Nearly half of patients stop taking medications due to side effects, costs, and fear of addiction. Approximately one third or patients are resistant to all treatments.

Low-dose intravenous ketamine has been shown to produce a rapid, robust, and sustained decrease in all depressive symptoms, including suicide. The antidepressant effect can occur in as little as two hours, peaks at 24-72 hrs, and can last up to  7-14 days. The average response rate to treatment-resistant depression is 67%. A higher response is seen with repeated administration. Ketamine seems effective for treating depression resistant to medications and that associated with bipolar disease. It may even be helpful in treating postpartum depression. These encouraging findings offer new hope that ketamine can improve the lives of those suffering from 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 call us for a free consultation.