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Hi everyone, welcome back.  Today I want to answer a question that I am asked every so often by clients, friends or family members.  “Have you heard of Ketamine treatment for depression and does it work?”

Simply put, yes. I have heard of it, am familiar with it and often recommend it to certain clients as an option for treatment of depression.  Lets discuss this a little bit.

Depression:

Let me first say that depression is debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.  Personally, I have experienced this and can attest to how huge of a problem and how challenging it can be to fight depression.  Symptoms often include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.  This occurs in more days of the week than not – meaning it is most of the time  with little to no relief.

While traditional treatments such as antidepressant medications and therapy have been effective for many, there remains a significant portion of individuals who do not respond to them very well.  This has led researchers to explore alternative treatments, one of which is ketamine therapy. 

Traditionally, depression has been treated with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. While these treatments can be highly effective for many individuals, they may not work for everyone. Some individuals experience side effects from medications or fail to achieve relief from their symptoms, leading to a search for alternative treatments, such as self-medicating or using drugs/alcohol to numb the pain.  This is also one of the reasons why suicide is so high as well.

What is Ketamine?

In essence, Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical and veterinary settings. More recently, it has become more popular in treating depression.  Ketamine clinics are opening is most cities.  Ketamine is typically administered intravenously (IV) at a low dose over a short period.  It can also be done with an injection or through nasal spray. 

I won’t get into how Ketamine works in the body per se, but just realize there is a lot of science and research that you can look up if interested.

Does it work?

I have seen amazing results from clients who choose to try Ketamine treatment for depression. Some potential benefits include:

1. Rapid relief: Ketamine’s quick onset of action can be life-changing for individuals in severe distress and symptoms that seem intolerable.
2. Reduced suicidal ideation: Ketamine has been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts in some patients.  Some ER rooms in hospitals are potentially going to begin using this as well with those who are suicidal. 
3. Fewer side effects: Ketamine may have fewer side effects compared to traditional antidepressants.

However, it’s important to note that Ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are considerations to keep in mind:

1. Cost: Ketamine therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance in all cases.  I sure hope insurance companies will begin to the benefit of this treatment and cover it in the future.
2. Safety: The safety of long-term ketamine use is still being studied, and potential risks should be carefully considered.
3. Individual response: Not all patients respond to ketamine, and the duration of its effects can vary.

EMDR Therapy

In my opinion, one of the best options to consider is having Ketamine and EMDR done together.  What I mean by this, is that I’ve seen good work being done when a person has had Ketamine treatment and then seen for EMDR therapy on the same day or within 24 hours.  Due to the physical changes within the brain with the Ketamine, EMDR has a way of enhancing the healing aspect and help the brain balance to a greater degree. 

If you are unfamiliar with EMDR treatment, this is a process of helping the brain balance itself with the “fight or flight response”, the frontal cortex (this controls emotions) and decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety or trauma.  EMDR helps to calm down our negative emotional reactions, improves sleep, and helps people process major changes in their life. In essence, EMDR helps us to have a greater sense of control over our emotions rather than being victims to them.

In the end

Ketamine treatment is coming fast to the field of mental health.  It can represent a promising future in the treatment of depression, particularly for those who have not found relief with conventional treatments such as medications or therapy.  While it offers rapid relief and shows potential in reducing symptoms, it is essential for individuals to discuss the risks, benefits, and suitability of ketamine therapy with a qualified healthcare provider. As research in this area continues to evolve, it may open up new possibilities for addressing depression and improving the quality of life for those who suffer from it.

For me, I am a fan of it and have seen good things happen.  Yet, it is up to you to decide and do your research into this option. 

Until next time, I wish you all happiness and the pursuit of joy in your life.

Aaron Nicolaides, PhD, LCSW

Therapeuo Health “Tackling Physical and Emotional Pain”