- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness
- Loss of color in everything
- Extreme fatigue
- No motivation to complete even a small task
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts
IV Ketamine Therapy
40 mins
Per session
6
A total of 6 sessions over 3 weeks
75%
75 % patients will experience positive response, which is defined as at least 50% reduction of symptoms
Ketamine found effective in treating severe depression
Harvard’s official newspaper, “The Harvard Gazette” published on May 31, 2023.
Researchers have found that IV Ketamine treatment is superior compared with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT used to be the gold standard for treating major depression for 80 years. Recently, the ever-growing depressive patients lead physician to search for new solutions. This study is the largest-real-world comparative trial of ECT vs Ketamine to date. They concluded IV ketamine could be considered as a suitable alternative treatment for major depression.
“People with treatment-resistant depression suffer a great deal, so it is exciting that studies like this are adding new options for them,” said Anand, the director of Psychiatry Translational Clinical Trials at Mass General Brigham and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “With this real-world trial, the results are immediately transferable to the clinical setting.” Read more…
F.A.Q
Do I need referral from Psychiatrist?
A referral from any mental care provider (psychiatrist, primary care or other psychiatric providers) is encouraged. We can also help referral if you could bring a visit note from your provider. Alternatively, we can schedule you for a psychiatric evaluation.
Is ketamine suitable for all depressions?
Not necessarily. For milder forms of depression, traditional oral antidepressants and psychotherapy are the first line treatment. More severe cases (treatment-resistant or at risk of suicidal thoughts) require a comprehensive and specialized approach, which may involve ECT, TMS, or ketamine therapy. These advanced therapies provide valuable options for individuals facing more challenging and stubborn mood disorders.
What is the successful rate for treating treatment resistant depression?
Nationwide, providers have reported 70%-75% of patients show a dramatic improvement in their mood with ketamine, and 3 out of 4 patients who present with suicidal ideation cease to have such thoughts. A meta-analysis by the American Psychiatric Association using data from multiple ketamine trials reported similar results, with 70% of treatment-resistant patients responding positively after receiving the initial round of low-dose infusions.
Do I need treatment for the rest of my life?
We don’t believe so. After the first year or so, many patients find the need for booster infusions decreases over time. IV Ketamine infusion will help break that dark cycle and prepare the brain so other treatments will start to work for you.
Do I need to stop other oral antidepressants?
Not at all. Please continue your current regimen. SSRIs and other antidepressant medications do not interfere with ketamine’s mechanism of action.