Industry News, Uncategorized

May 15, 2023

What Disqualifies you from Ketamine Therapy?

Were you aware that roughly 30% of people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) don’t get better with common antidepressants? Even though treatments like ketamine therapy give new promise, not everyone can try it. There are strict rules to make sure it’s safe and works well.

For ketamine therapy, you must be an adult over 18 with Treatment Resistant Depression or a main diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode. But, some health issues make you unable to use ketamine. This includes not just MDD or bipolar disorder, but also active psychosis, recent substance abuse, and more.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 30% of patients with MDD do not respond to traditional treatments.
Eligibility requires adults over 18 with specific diagnoses such as Treatment Resistant Depression or MDE.
Common exclusions include active psychosis, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse disorders.
Other disqualifying factors can be uncontrolled hypertension, ketamine allergies, and a BMI over 35.
A thorough medical evaluation and written consent are mandatory before beginning treatment.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy Exclusion Criteria

Ketamine infusion therapy, FDA-approved for anesthesia, is also used off-label for some mental health conditions. But, it’s important to know that this therapy has specific rules. Before deciding if ketamine treatment is right, it’s crucial to understand the contraindications for ketamine therapy.

To start, remember that ketamine therapy isn’t the first choice to treat. It’s for those over 18 with Treatment Resistant Depression. They should have tried and not improved with at least two antidepressant treatments. An in-depth evaluation is needed to see if ketamine infusion is a good fit.

Those with psychosis or neurocognitive disorders can’t get ketamine therapy.
If someone has a symptomatic brain injury, they are not eligible.
Anyone who has used drugs or drunk alcohol too much in the last three months is disqualified.
Health issues like uncontrolled high blood pressure or liver problems also mean one can’t have this therapy.
Finally, pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant within 12 weeks of treatment should avoid ketamine.

When is ketamine therapy not recommended? It depends on a person’s health and history. A full check-up before treatment looks at drug use and personal medical issues. People not mainly diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder types 1 and 2, or who once had high brain pressure, can’t have the therapy either.

The proper setting for giving ketamine infusions must be up to safety standards. It needs to be ready to handle any emergencies. Safety measures also include checking on patients a lot, teaching them about the treatment, and making sure they agree with how it will be done. It’s important that patients can follow care instructions before and after the treatment.

Money matters pose challenges too, as many insurance companies don’t pay for ketamine therapy. This means clinics have to figure out their own costs and how to get paid by patients directly. They also have to stay sharp on safety rules for handling the drug and keeping it from being used in the wrong way.

Knowing and following the exclusion criteria is key to making sure ketamine treatment works well and is safe. For more about who can’t get this therapy, check out this extensive review.

What Disqualifies you from Ketamine Therapy

Certain health issues and past medical problems can stop you from getting ketamine therapy. You need a doctor to look at your health closely to decide if ketamine is right for you. Reasons for not getting ketamine include:

Pregnancy
Uncontrolled hypertension
Acute cardiovascular diseases
Previous adverse reactions to ketamine
History of psychosis
Increased intracranial pressure
History of substance abuse

A detailed health check is really important. Doctors will look at your past, your current health, and other treatments you’ve tried. If other treatments haven’t worked, ketamine can often help quickly. But it’s not for everyone.

If you can’t get ketamine, there are other options. These might include medicines, talking to a therapist, using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), changing your lifestyle, or trying holistic treatments. Getting better means being open and honest with your doctors to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy shows promise in treating long-term pain and mental issues. It gives new hope, especially to people not helped by normal care. Yet, it’s vital to choose patients carefully to prevent harm. This includes excluding those who are pregnant, have uncontrolled health problems, misuse substances, or had bad reactions to ketamine before.

Knowing about ketamine’s use is key for both doctors and patients. The first step is a detailed check to see if the treatment is right. For those who can’t get ketamine, other choices exist. Things like medicine, talking therapies, TMS, and changing your lifestyle can help a lot.

Mind Body Centers leads in finding new ways to care for patients. They offer plans that fit each person’s unique situation. Talking with a healthcare expert is crucial in picking the best treatment. This way, people can choose wisely what’s best for their health. For help on whether ketamine is right or to know other options, Mind Body Centers can assist if you are in the Phoenix or Minneapolis metro areas.

FAQ

What are the eligibility criteria for ketamine treatment?

Ketamine therapy is considered for adults over 18 who have Treatment Resistant Depression. They must show moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Also, a primary diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode (MDE) by DSM-5 rules is needed.

What are the medical conditions preventing ketamine therapy?

Some conditions make ketamine therapy unsuitable. These include active neurocognitive disorders and untreated traumatic brain injury. Also, uncontrolled hypertension, acute cardiovascular diseases, and a BMI over 35 are factors.

Who is considered ineligible for ketamine therapy?

Those with a primary diagnosis different from Major Depressive Disorder or bipolar disorder can’t get ketamine therapy. It’s also off-limits for people with psychosis or substance abuse disorders. Non-Canadian residents without a responsible physician in Canada miss out too.

What are the contraindications for ketamine therapy?

Contraindications for ketamine therapy are a history of psychosis. Planning to get pregnant soon, recent use of illicit substances, allergies to ketamine, and uncontrolled high blood pressure also count.

What are the limitations for ketamine infusion therapy?

For ketamine infusion therapy, there are some limits. It requires a full medical exam and a negative urine test for drugs. The treatment must happen in an appropriate clinic with the right medical supervision.

When is ketamine therapy not recommended?

Ketamine therapy is not suggested if there’s a history of acute cardiovascular diseases. Also, it’s not for those with increased intracranial pressure. Individuals who can’t follow pre-treatment protocols or show aggression should steer clear too.

What are the reasons for ketamine therapy disqualification?

Adverse reactions to ketamine, existing psychosis, and acute cardiovascular diseases are disqualifiers. A history of substance abuse or being pregnant also makes one unfit for this therapy.

What factors exclude individuals from ketamine treatment?

A diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder, recent substance abuse, and not being able to follow treatment protocols exclude individuals. Compliance with pre-treatment and monitoring procedures is crucial.

Who should not receive ketamine treatment?

Ketamine treatment is not for those with certain psychiatric disorders. It’s also unsuitable for people with uncontrolled critical health conditions. Recent substance abuse is another reason not to receive this treatment.