Frequency of Ketamine Therapy Visits for Depression Treatment

When you have chronic depression that does not respond to traditional treatment methods, it may be time to talk with your psychiatrist about another option: ketamine therapy. In patients whose depression symptoms do not improve after at least six weeks of treatment, ketamine therapy can be an excellent alternative, offering many patients both immediate and long-term benefits. It can also be used in situations where patients need prompt relief from suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

For most people with serious depression, the go-to plan for treatment includes a combination of individual or group therapy and antidepressant medication, along with potential lifestyle changes. Typically, these treatments are effective, especially when maintained long-term according to a doctor or psychiatrist's recommendations. However, there are people with severe or chronic depression whose brains simply do not respond to these traditional methods, a condition known as Treatment-Resistant Depression. Fortunately, ketamine therapy can help when given at the right time and under the care of a trained medical professional.

What happens during a ketamine therapy session?

Ketamine is a drug that is typically used in surgical settings to help patients sleep. However, studies have shown that it can also be an effective way to treat depression in some patients. Its psychedelic properties allow patients to experience less sadness, worry, anxiety, and stress while feeling enlightened in some cases. It can even help promote better brain function by enabling an increase in neuron activity and connection. The medication is administered either intravenously or intranasally, and the patient is supervised by a medical professional until the hallucinogenic effects wear off, usually around two hours.

Before your first ketamine therapy session, your psychiatrist will conduct one or more counseling sessions to help prepare you for the experience. These therapy sessions will also continue during and after the treatment process to help you manage your symptoms and their changes more effectively. Partnering ketamine with therapeutic counseling sessions can yield better and longer-lasting results.

How often will you need ketamine therapy treatment?

Ketamine therapy usually consists of six separate sessions that take place over the course of two to three weeks. Some patients experience immediate benefits, while others see results that gradually improve closer to the end of the treatment period. Once the entire treatment is complete, patients can experience complete symptom relief for weeks or even months at a time.

If and when depression symptoms start to resurface, patients can schedule a booster treatment comprised of two ketamine sessions spaced two to three days apart. The frequency of booster appointments varies based on each person's situation. Some need a booster just once or twice a year, while others may need them once a month. Maintaining appointments with your psychiatrist and paying close attention to your symptoms can help you develop a schedule that meets your needs.