Once thought of primarily as a recreational drug, ketamine is now being studied as a potential therapy for depression. When conventional antidepressants have failed, this anesthetic medication has proven extremely effective in rapidly relieving depressive symptoms. Ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effect results from the drug’s ability to target and modulate specific receptors in the brain.
Ketamine for Depression
Studies have shown that ketamine infusion therapy can make a big difference in mood, energy, and overall well-being in just a few hours or days, while most other treatments take weeks or months. Ketamine is a good choice for people with severe depression who risk hurting themselves or killing themselves because it works quickly.
But ketamine therapy for depression should only be done in controlled settings by trained medical professionals. The treatment uses intravenous (IV) infusions or nasal sprays to ensure that the right amount of medicine is given and that any possible side effects are monitored.
Ketamine has a lot of promise, but it might not be right for everyone. People with certain health problems or a history of drug abuse should talk to their doctor to determine if ketamine therapy is a good choice.
As the amount of research and clinical experience with ketamine grows, it opens the door to new ways to treat depression. By learning more about how ketamine works and improving treatment plans, we might be able to give people with depression new hope and improve their quality of life.
What Is Ketamine Depression?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used in the medical field for several decades, primarily as an anesthetic. It’s in the same family as other drugs that cause numbness and disconnection from reality, called dissociative anesthetics. Ketamine produces its effects by binding to and activating brain receptors like the NMDA receptor.
Beyond its use as an anesthetic, ketamine has attracted interest for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating depression and other mental health conditions. Rapid antidepressant effects were seen with lower doses of ketamine, making it a promising option for people with treatment-resistant depression. Some neurotransmitters and synaptic plasticity in the brain may be responsible for its effects.
Skip To:
Learn More:
- What to Say to Someone Who is Depressed? 10 Things to Say to Someone With Depression
- 5 Stages of Depression, Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments
- Mild Depression, What is it? Mild Depression Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment
- Crippling Depression, Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment
- 5 Signs of Depression in Men, What Depression Looks Like
- Depression Treatment, Classes of Depression, Types of Treatments, Modalities & Warning Signs
- Mood Disorders Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Depression Fact Sheet
Definition: Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions daily.
Prevalence: Depression is a global health concern, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Risk Factors: Depression can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, chronic medical conditions, certain medications, substance abuse, and significant life events such as loss or relationship problems. Women may be at a higher risk due to hormonal fluctuations.
Impact: Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting their relationships, work or school performance, physical health, and overall well-being. It can also increase the risk of other health problems, including cardiovascular diseases.
Treatment: Depression is a treatable condition. Treatment options may include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication (such as antidepressants), or a combination of both. Lifestyle modifications, social support, and self-care practices are essential to manage depression.
Breaking the Stigma: Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a medical condition that requires understanding, compassion, and support. By promoting open conversations, raising awareness, and challenging stigmas associated with mental health, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals affected by depression.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077
Depression Statistics
Understanding the stages of depression and the prevalence of this mental health condition is crucial in addressing its impact on individuals and society. Depression is a common and serious mental disorder affecting millions worldwide. By examining the stages of depression from a statistical perspective, we can gain valuable insights into its prevalence, demographic patterns, and the burden it places on individuals and healthcare systems.
21 million
An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.
Source: National Institute on Mental Health
10.5%
The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among adult females (10.5%) than males (6.2%).
Source: National Institute on Mental Health
17.0%
The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
What Happens During Ketamine Therapy For Depression?
In ketamine for depression treatment, the drug is administered to a patient under medical supervision. Depending on the protocol and the doctor’s recommendation, the therapy may be given via intravenous (IV) infusions or as a nasal spray.
Ketamine for depression therapy typically involves close monitoring by medical staff to ensure patient safety and optimal dosing. There are a variety of possible outcomes during a therapy session. These outcomes are altered perception, a mellower mood, and a detached feeling from one’s surroundings.
Treatment with ketamine for depression typically entails multiple visits over several weeks or months. The number of sessions and how often they occur is customized to each patient. Each treatment session is individualized for the patient and may be modified based on how they respond to the previous session’s interventions.
The effects of ketamine for depression therapy can be different for different people. The dissociative experience may be milder for some people and more intense for others. Under medical supervision, the therapy can be administered accurately, and any adverse effects can be managed.
It is common practice for patients undergoing ketamine for depression treatment to participate in complementary therapy or counseling. Emotional support, processing new feelings, and incorporating the experience into their ongoing mental health treatment are all aided by this.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineIs Ketamine Treatment for Depression Safe?
Therapeutic ketamine is generally considered safe when used under close supervision and control and when patients are properly screened. However, all medications have some risks. Ketamine is a controlled substance regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration because it can be abused. Because of this, it is subject to strict safety controls. Before getting ketamine therapy, it’s important to fully evaluate your mental health and medical history to ensure it’s right for you and reduce any risks.
The American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners says that people who get ketamine treatment shouldn’t drive, work, care for small children, or do anything else stressful for the rest of the day after a session. This warning is there to put safety first and give the effects of ketamine time to wear off.
In the American Journal of Psychiatry, a group of experts on mood disorders wrote a paper about the current evidence on ketamine and intravenous ketamine for depression that does not respond to other treatments. Even though these drugs give patients “opportunity and hope,” the experts stressed the need to learn more about how well and safely they work in the long term. In these areas, important questions still need more research and understanding to be answered.
First-class Facilities & Amenities
World-class High-Quality Mental Health Services & Behaviroal Health Substance Abuse Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Mental Health Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient Rehab Programs Vary.
Mental Health Helpline: (509) 348-4077Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Development Events
- Comfortable Onsite Medical Detox Center
Treatment for Depression, We Level Up
Depression can be treated in several ways, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and self-care. These treatments aim to relieve symptoms, improve overall health, and help people get back in charge of their lives. Ketamine infusion therapy has gotten a lot of attention because it might help some people with depression that doesn’t respond to other treatments. However, We Level Up does not offer ketamine infusion therapy. Instead, we offer full support and guidance through therapies, counseling, and holistic approaches based on scientific evidence tailored to each person’s needs. It’s important to talk to healthcare professionals about the best ways to treat depression so that it can be managed well.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Programs. Complete Integrated Inpatient Rehab with Free Post Discharge Therapy Planning.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
Popular Ketamines for Depression FAQs
-
What is the ketamine dose for depression?
The right amount of ketamine to take for depression depends on many things, such as the person’s weight, medical history, and treatment plan. Ketamine is usually given by trained medical staff in a controlled medical setting. A higher dose may be given at first, and then smaller doses may be given over time. It’s important to stress that ketamine should only be used to treat depression under the care and supervision of qualified medical professionals specializing in this kind of treatment. They will determine the right dose based on the person’s unique situation and closely watch how it works.
-
Is Ketamine a Depressant?
Ketamine in depression is classified as a dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogenic drug rather than a depressant. Depressants are drugs that slow down brain activity and bodily functions. Ketamine, on the other hand, produces an anesthetic and dissociative effect by blocking certain receptors in the brain. It can induce feelings of detachment from reality and produce hallucinations. While ketamine has some sedative properties, its effects can vary depending on the dosage and individual response. It’s important to note that the use of ketamine for depression is done in a controlled medical setting and administered by healthcare professionals following specific protocols.
Watch How to Improve Mental Health? 8 Steps & Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Wellbeing. Find Top Mental Health Tips & Anxiety Tips Advice from a Therapist.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired.
Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to a behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Search We Level Up WA Ketamine for Depression, A Powerful Treatment Option Mental Health Topics & Resources
Sources
1. Naughton M, Clarke G, O’Leary OF, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. A review of ketamine in affective disorders: Current evidence of clinical efficacy, limitations of use and pre-clinical evidence on proposed mechanisms of action. J Affect Disord. 2014;156:24–35. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
2. Baskaran A, Milev R, McIntyre RS. The neurobiology of the EEG biomarker as a predictor of treatment response in depression. Neuropharmacology. 2012;63:507–13. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
3. Serafini G, Howland RH, Rovedi F, Girardi P, Amore M. The role of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12:444–61. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
4. Miller OH, Moran JT, Hall BJ. Two cellular hypotheses explain the initiation of ketamine’s antidepressant actions: Direct inhibition and disinhibition. Neuropharmacology. 2016;100:17–26. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
5. Vasavada MM, Leaver AM, Espinoza RT, Joshi SH, Njau SN, Woods RP, et al. Structural connectivity and response to ketamine therapy in major depression: A preliminary study. J Affect Disord. 2016;190:836–41. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
6. Romeo B, Choucha W, Fossati P, Rotge JY. Meta-analysis of short – And mid-term efficacy of ketamine in unipolar and bipolar depression. Psychiatry Res. 2015;230:682–8. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
7. Rajkumar R, Fam J, Yeo EY, Dawe GS. Ketamine and suicidal ideation in depression: Jumping the gun? Pharmacol Res. 2015;99:23–35. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Learn more: ketamines for depression/ketamine depression
8. Hasselmann HW. Ketamine as an antidepressant? Current state and future perspectives. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12:57–70. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
9. Thakurta RG, Das R, Bhattacharya AK, Saha D, Sen S, Singh OP, et al. Rapid response with ketamine on suicidal cognition in resistant depression. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34:170–5. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
10. Katalinic N, Lai R, Somogyi A, Mitchell PB, Glue P, Loo CK. Ketamine as a new treatment for depression: A review of its efficacy and adverse effects. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2013;47:710–27. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]