Did you know that up to 70% of patients who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants see quick improvement with ketamine therapy? This fact shows how effective ketamine infusion therapy can be for depression. Unlike traditional treatments that may take weeks or months, ketamine works fast. Some patients even feel better within hours after the first session.

The usual number of ketamine infusions for depression is between four to six for the stabilization period. These initial treatments are given over a two week period. The exact number depends on how each patient reacts and what they need. At Mind Body Centers we customize every plan to each patient’s unique situation and after further evaluations.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine therapy can show rapid improvement in depression symptoms, sometimes within hours.
• Patients usually require four to six treatments initially.
• The ketamine infusion therapy protocol is faster-acting compared to traditional antidepressants.
• The number of ketamine treatments for depression is tailored to each patient’s response and symptom severity.
• Ketamine therapy is beneficial for other mental health issues like PTSD, Anxiety, and OCD as well.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Ketamine therapy has changed the way we treat depression, especially for those with major depressive disorder. This section explains what ketamine is, how it works, and how it differs from traditional antidepressants.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic during surgery. However, in recent years, it has gained attention for its use in treating depression, other mental health issues, and chronic pain. Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants, which target the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Instead, ketamine targets the glutamate system in the brain, which is involved in learning and memory.

Research has shown that ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression in hours or days, not weeks or months like traditional antidepressants. This rapid onset of action makes ketamine an attractive treatment option for people who are struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

How Does Ketamine Work in Treating Depression?

Ketamine helps depression by making new neurons in the brain. Patients get four to six infusions over a two week period, with each infusion lasting about an hour. At Mind Body Centers, an anesthesiologist supervises the treatment dosage and a Patient Care Provider stays with the patient for the duration of the treatment.

Side effects like dizziness and feeling like you’re floating are common but go away after treatment. Some people start to feel relief from depression after just three treatments. More infusions are suggested to keep symptoms under control.

Comparing Ketamine to Traditional Antidepressants

Ketamine therapy works much faster than traditional antidepressants, offering quick relief for severe depression. Traditional antidepressants often target serotonin receptors in the brain whereas ketamine blocks the glutamate receptor NDMA.

Determining the Number of Ketamine Treatments

Figuring out how many ketamine treatments you need for depression looks at a few things. Some of the factors that are taken into account are the severity of your depressive symptoms, your response to your first ketamine treatment, how you manage your symptoms over time, and your goals and preferences.

Stabilization Treatments Protocol

The first round of ketamine treatments usually includes a round of four to six infusions within a 2 week period, with the infusions lasting about an hour each. After each session, ongoing checks help adjust the number of infusions that would be most appropriate for your treatment.

Maintenance Treatments

After the stabilization phase, you might need more infusions to keep improving. The maintenance schedule varies for each patient but the typical schedule begins approximately ten days after the last Stabilization treatment. The next treatment occurs approximately one month after the Stabilization Period treatments. The MBC clinical staff will evaluate your progress closely afterwards. The maintenance schedule varies based on the patient’s needs with the goal of progressing into longer intervals between treatments.

Stories from Actual Ketamine Patients

If you are curious in hearing more about how ketamine is transforming people’s lives, click here to read stories from actual Mind Body Centers patients.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy for depression is a promising new treatment for those who haven’t seen results with traditional antidepressants. It helps patients and doctors make better choices for treatment plans. Studies show it can greatly improve mood and well-being, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression.

The number of ketamine treatments needed varies by person, but it generally ranges from four to six infusions to complete the stabilization period. Keeping up with maintenance treatments is an important key to sustaining the positive effects gained from the stabilization period. The maintenance schedule varies for each patient but the typical schedule begins approximately ten days after the last stabilization treatment. The next treatment occurs approximately one month after the Stabilization Period treatments.

At Mind Body Centers we can help you with depression treatment and how to use ketamine therapy effectively if you are in the Gilbert, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Burnsville, MN areas.