Ketamine for Depression

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of ketamine for the treatment of depression and anxiety, especially in cases where traditional medications and therapies have proven ineffective. As medical doctors specializing in ketamine-assisted therapy, we have witnessed the transformative effects of this innovative approach on individuals struggling with these debilitating mental health conditions.

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid and profound antidepressant effects. Decades of peer reviewed research has proven not only ketamines effectiveness when traditional therapies don’t work, but also its safety. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show results, ketamine often produces noticeable improvements within hours. Furthermore, ketamine is designed to be something you need for a short period of time and then no longer. No more daily medications with side-effects, lack of efficacy, and continued dose escalation. 

The mechanism of action of ketamine in treating depression and anxiety is distinct from traditional antidepressants. While medications like SSRIs primarily target neurotransmitters such as serotonin, ketamine works on the glutamate system. Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation. By modulating glutamate activity, ketamine promotes the growth of new neural connections and reverses the damage caused by chronic stress, a common trigger for depression and anxiety. The neuroplasticity that ketamine induces helps us to try new things, think about things differently,  develop new habits, and engage in new behaviors. 

One of the key advantages of ketamine is its ability to target treatment-resistant depression, a challenging condition where individuals do not respond adequately to standard antidepressant therapies. Research has consistently shown that ketamine can be effective in providing relief to those who have not experienced improvement with other medications. This makes it a valuable option for individuals who have been struggling with persistent symptoms and are in need of an alternative approach.

However, it’s important to note that ketamine is not a standalone solution. In our practice, we emphasize the significance of combining ketamine treatment with psychotherapy for optimal results. The integration of psychotherapy helps individuals make sense of their experiences and develop coping strategies. Ketamine, with its unique ability to enhance neuroplasticity and open a “window of opportunity” for change, complements psychotherapy by creating a more receptive state for therapeutic insights.

The synergy between ketamine and psychotherapy is particularly evident in the way ketamine affects the brain. Ketamine induces a transient altered state of consciousness, allowing individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions from a different perspective. This heightened state of self-awareness, combined with the therapeutic guidance of a trained professional, can lead to breakthrough moments and a deeper understanding of the root causes of depression and anxiety.

It’s important to acknowledge that ketamine-assisted therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its use should be carefully monitored by qualified medical professionals. Dosage, frequency, and the integration of psychotherapy should be tailored to each individual’s needs. 

In conclusion, ketamine offers a promising avenue for those struggling with depression and anxiety, especially when traditional treatments have fallen short. As medical doctors specializing in ketamine-assisted therapy, we have witnessed the life-changing impact of this approach on numerous individuals. When combined with psychotherapy, ketamine provides a unique and powerful tool to address the complex nature of these mental health conditions, offering new hope for those in need of effective and timely intervention. 

To learn more, or book a free consultation visit us at renewketamineinfusion.com or call us at 949-503-1414.

Dr. Tanya Dall and Dr. Justin Yanuck,  Renew Ketamine Infusion

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OCD

Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is unfortunately resistant to many forms of medical treatment including both medication and therapy.

Ketamine has been shown to be an effective, fast acting, safe option for patients with OCD. Over the course of the Ketamine infusions (2-4 weeks) neuroplasticity can lead to a change or abatement in the intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that typify OCD.

When combined with our unique post infusion integration process, patients with severe OCD can see profound relief of their symptoms.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Chronic Pain

“There is extensive research currently being done on this topic. I can say from personal experience as a practicing Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician, I have had patients with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, who have had significant relief of their symptoms with Ketamine assisted therapy. With that said, Ketamine assisted therapy will definitely not work for everyone with chronic pain, and each patient will require a thorough evaluation to ensure they are an adequate candidate for a trial of Ketamine assisted therapy for relief of their chronic pain” -Dr. Justin Yanuck.

The current evidence of Ketamine assisted therapy for chronic pain is fairly mixed. The majority of studies only looked at ketamine infusion without any assisted psychotherapy.

Ketamine has the ability to lead to relief on its own (and the mechanisms for this have been well studied). We feel quite strongly that the real potential for Ketamine to provide relief, especially for chronic pain patients, is when combined with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy allows the individual to process their experience and build off this experience to lead to new psychological frameworks for processing both internal and external stimuli.

Pain is complex, and Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our treatment plan gives patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain and even opiate dependance a chance to try a different and effective treatment. Start here (button) for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major public health concern, affecting up to 7% of Americans.

As many as half of all Americans with PTSD get inadequate relief from traditional treatments which include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ketamine combined with psychotherapy has been shown to be very effective at reducing the symptoms of PTSD. These effects last well beyond its near immediate relief.

Many mechanistic actions for how Ketamine works in PTSD have been proposed.

Ketamine allows people to reacquaint themselves with their past inciting trauma from an emotionally neutral perspective. Ketamine will not make you forget about the trauma. It can allow you to acknowledge its occurrence in a neutral way in order to not be continually re-traumatized by thinking about it.

Depending on the patient, outcomes can be noticed almost immediately with a sense of lightness and joy. Ketamine followed by psychotherapy has been shown to lead to significant relief of the burdens of PTSD.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Anxiety

Traditional treatments for anxiety will often either work poorly, have addictive properties, or severe side effects including brain fog and drowsiness. Furthermore, these treatments tend to have reduced efficacy over time, and lead to only transient relief of symptoms.

Ketamine, when combined with our novel integrative psychotherapy, can lead to significant relief of anxiety.

During the ketamine infusion and integration process, patients will often get a better understanding of their anxiety, and are able to reframe many of the triggers that often provoke their anxiety.

Ketamine has properties that allow for rewiring of the brain (new synapse formation and repair of existing synapses). Ketamine allows people to effect changes into their own lives. It shows people that they have the power to heal from within and take control of their relationship with anxiety.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Depression

Ketamine has been shown to be extremely effective and safe for patients with depression and treatment resistant depression (those who fail to get relief from two or more antidepressants).

Ketamine is highly effective at rapidly (within 2-8 hours) reducing depressive symptoms. Traditional antidepressants often take weeks to months to work.

Many traditional antidepressants have side effects including reduced libido, weight gain, GI upset, mood disturbances, and unfortunately require daily use for months to years.

Many antidepressants, even if they do work, require you to be on them for years, if not for the rest of your life.

Ketamine treatment has been shown in most patients to lead to resolution of symptoms without the need for any further medications.

Ketamine is not a medication meant to be taken for the rest of your life. The goal is to provide sustained relief after the completion of a set treatment plan. This is accomplished by combining the actions of Ketamine in the brain with psychotherapy. Additional enhancement sessions available as needed.

Unfortunately, there is a significant subset of patients that do not get significant relief from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Ketamine acts as a catalyst to stimulate a patient’s innate capacity for psychological healing. This allows patients to overcome past experiences and learned behavior to truly heal. Ketamine, combined with therapists who are specifically trained to work with psychedelic therapies, can lead to profound breakthroughs and deep psychological healing.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

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