Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for TRD?

Depression affects millions of people all over the world. A psychiatrist often recommends antidepressants, talk therapy, and other treatment methods to treat it. However, not everyone responds to traditional treatments, and those people have what is referred to as treatment resistant depression. The good news is that ketamine therapy has shown promise for those with TRD; however, not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment option.

Good candidates for ketamine therapy

There are numerous benefits of ketamine therapy, including that it is more effective than antidepressants for some people and that patients see results quickly. Talk to a psychiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for this type of therapy.

People with depression symptoms

The first criterion that people need to meet before a doctor will prescribe ketamine therapy is that they have depression. Symptoms include feelings of emptiness or sadness, loss of pleasure in daily activities, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

These symptoms occur almost all day and almost every day, and they impact one's relationships, social life, and work or school life. Depression may occur only once in someone's life, or it may occur multiple times. It may be caused by a certain event, such as a death of a loved one or a pregnancy, or there may be no known cause. 

People with major depression who do not respond to normal treatments are good candidates for ketamine therapy, as are those with depression and anxiety, as ketamine therapy is shown to be able to reduce symptoms of both. However, depression is not the only factor involved in the recommendation of ketamine. Potential candidates usually must meet other criteria as well.

Patients who are having trouble finding an antidepressant that works

Ketamine is generally not a first-line treatment for depression. Most doctors prescribe other antidepressants, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, first. Unfortunately, it can take weeks or even months to determine if the prescribed drug is effective. If, after a suitable amount of time, a patient does not see a reduction in depression symptoms, a psychiatrist may recommend ketamine therapy. 

People who have not had success with therapy

Therapy is another treatment method commonly recommended for those with depression. It can occur alone or in conjunction with an antidepressant. If someone has not improved with therapy, ketamine therapy may be suggested. 

People who do not fall under certain situations

Ketamine therapy is not advisable for people with certain medical conditions or substance abuse issues. Someone who falls under any of these categories is not a good candidate:

• Pregnancy
• History of psychosis
• Active substance abuse
• Acute cardiovascular disease
• History of intracranial pressure
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Previous negative reaction to ketamine