In recent years, ketamine infusion therapy has become a popular complementary psychiatric treatment method. While many people take SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for this condition, others do not respond the same way or experience side effects. In these cases, psychiatrists may recommend ketamine infusion therapy to provide relief where traditional methods have fallen short. The following are three key benefits of ketamine infusion therapy, as observed by psychiatrists.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a condition where a patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) does not respond to standard treatment methods, such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. While there is no standard definition of TRD, some researchers define it as lingering depression symptoms in patients who have taken at least two types of antidepressant medication or classes of antidepressant medication. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 30% of people diagnosed with MOD do not feel relief from traditional methods of treatment.
Ketamine infusion therapy provides almost instant relief for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike antidepressants, which can take several weeks or months to noticeably improve symptoms, this method can deliver significant relief within hours or days of a treatment session and can last for weeks. Psychiatric researchers believe that ketamine interacts with the brain's glutamate system, which improves neuroplasticity and promotes new neural connections. As a result, it improves the patient's mood and overall mental well-being much faster than conventional treatment methods. For those who have exhausted other options, ketamine infusion therapy offers a viable and effective alternative.
Ketamine infusion therapy can also reduce suicidal thoughts in those experiencing severe depression. Suicidal ideation is a complex and distressing symptom that can be difficult to manage with standard antidepressant treatments. There are two forms of suicidal ideation, though the feelings can look and feel different for each person experiencing it.
The first form is passive suicidal ideation, in which a person experiences suicidal thoughts without any desire to make a plan of action to harm themselves. The second is active suicidal ideation, in which a person has an action plan for self-harm, from giving away valued belongings to writing a note. They may also experience a sense of relief and become more withdrawn from loved ones. This is an emergency that requires treatment.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that suicidal ideation is common; one study reported that 10.6 million adults — 4.3% of the U.S. adult population — have experienced suicidal thoughts at least one point in their lives. It is even more prevalent in children under the age of 18, with 18% having experienced thoughts of attempting suicide.
Research has shown that ketamine infusion therapy can lead to a substantial decrease in suicidal thoughts within hours or days of treatment. According to a 2023 study published in Translational Psychiatry, patients aged 24 and older who underwent ketamine treatment had a significant decrease in suicidal ideation compared to other antidepressants. By acting on the brain's NMDA receptors, ketamine can help modulate mood and emotional regulation, providing immediate relief to those at risk of harming themselves. Ketamine infusion therapy is considered an emergency psychiatric intervention for individuals facing active suicidal ideation, preventing self-harm and saving lives.
Unlike conventional antidepressants that require continuous use, ketamine infusion therapy can lead to lasting benefits after a series of treatments. Per the Mayo Clinic, ketamine delivered in low doses can provide rapid relief of TRD and can last for days to weeks. Psychiatrists will often administer it twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks. Then, the psychiatrist will decrease the frequency, going down to once a week, once a month, and then taper off. Clinical trials have shown response rates as high as 70% when using regular infusions.
Researchers have observed that some patients experience prolonged symptom relief after completing a full course of ketamine infusions. While some patients with TRD may require maintenance sessions to continue to benefit from this treatment, the long-lasting impact of ketamine on mood and cognitive function makes it a valuable tool in mental health treatment. However, more research is needed to explore the long-term benefits of ketamine infusion therapy and how it can be optimized to maximize its long-term efficacy for those with chronic mental health conditions.
Ketamine infusion therapy is becoming a popular approach to mental health treatment, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional medication and therapy. As research into this method progresses, psychiatrists will continue to refine and expand its use, offering hope to those in need of innovative mental health solutions. Call our Myrtle Beach office to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.
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