Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is a broad term that describes thoughts of dying or killing oneself, which may or may not include actual plans or attempts. Risk factors include a family history of suicide, prior suicide attempts, and other psychiatric disorders. Such disorders include chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and, most commonly, depression. 

Every 12 minutes, someone in the US dies by suicide. For every one death, there are 25 attempts. Unlike other high income countries, cases of suicide have been on the rise in the US. The rate is now the highest since 1941, making it the 10th leading cause of death. More women attempt suicide, but men are more likely to die. Fortunately, the overall rate of suicide did not seem to have increased with COVID-19, although it may have  climbed slightly among minority men. 

There is no proven treatment that can prevent suicide. However, counseling and social support can reduce the degree of suicidal ideation. The use of prescribed medications, such as lithium and antidepressants may also help by stabilizing mood and reducing depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, such drugs take time to work, have side effects, and offer little protection against suicide in the acute setting.

Ketamine may reduce suicidal ideation after 4 hours of administration, a rapid effect that provides a significant advantage over slower onset conventional drug therapies. Its anti-suicidal effects may last 72 hrs or more. Ketamine seems most effective against suicidal ideation associated with depression, but it may also work against depression associated with other mood disorders. These encouraging findings offer new hope that ketamine can improve the lives of those suffering from suicidal ideation.

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.