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Are you or someone you know living with depression? Ketamine infusions have been gaining attention as a potentially effective treatment for depression, particularly in cases where traditional therapies have been ineffective.
Research has shown that ketamine can quickly reduce symptoms of depression and has a lower risk of side effects than other treatments.
Imagine feeling relief from your depression symptoms within hours instead of weeks or months. Don’t wait any longer to take control of your life. Contact Illuminate in Newport News, VA, to learn more about ketamine treatment for depression.
Ketamine treatment, also known as ketamine infusion therapy, involves the use of ketamine, a psychedelic dissociative anesthetic that has been administered by anesthesia providers in operating rooms for decades. The use of ketamine in mental health and chronic pain treatment is continuously evolving, and early studies have shown significant results. In low psychedelic doses, ketamine has been shown to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain with better, faster, and longer-lasting relief than traditional medications. Ketamine therapy can often bring about a noticeable improvement in symptoms within hours or days of treatment.
Ketamine is delivered in several ways with varied effectiveness based on the route of administration. Oral preparations (lozenges) are generally less effective as they need to be metabolized by the digestive system. Intranasal administration of ketamine (SpravatoTM) depends on multiple factors affecting the amount of medication that reaches the bloodstream. At Illuminate, we administer ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety using Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) routes. These routes are the gold standard for ketamine treatment because they bypass the absorption pathways required for intranasal and oral administration, ensuring patients receive the entire dose of medication. IV and IM ketamine have a 97-99% bioavailability (the amount of medication available for the body to utilize), while other routes range from 10-30% bioavailability. Utilizing IV and IM routes of administration allows us to precisely control patient-specific dosages of ketamine for maximum therapeutic benefit and symptom management.
Traditional methods for addressing mental health and chronic pain often rely on quick fixes or a “band aid” approach. Anxiety is typically managed with sedatives, while depression is often addressed by boosting the “feel-good” hormones in the brain. The emerging belief is that all mental health conditions stem from the same source – trauma. This word is known to describe major traumatic events in someone’s life but can be more accurately used to describe anything that is over the brain’s threshold of tolerance and ability to process. As we experience toxic stress in our daily life – whether through work, family, relationships, or adulting – our brain is not always able to process this “trauma” and compartmentalize it. However, our body still experiences the physical manifestation and symptoms of this trauma and in response, “ramps up” our nervous system. Over time, this sends our body into a chronic sympathetic nervous system state – the “fight or flight” state or hypervigilant state. This dysregulated nervous system state is the source of mental health conditions and emotional regulation and follows the principles of the Polyvagal Theory.
Ketamine is perfectly geared to target the root cause of these conditions with three primary methods:
Depression can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people struggle with depression, and there are effective treatment options available. It may take some time to find the right treatment for you, but with the help of our experts, you can find a way to improve your mood and start to feel better.
It’s important to remember that recovery is possible. With the right support and treatment, you can start to feel better and regain a sense of hope and purpose in your life. Remember to take one day at a time, and to be gentle and compassionate with yourself. And don’t hesitate to reach out to Illuminate for help when you need it most.
If you or someone you know is looking for an alternative depression treatment , contact Illuminate today and learn how we can help you take back control of your life and how you live it.
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home.
Depression is a complex disorder, and the causes are not fully understood. It’s thought to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. People with depression may have changes in certain chemicals in the brain, which can affect their mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Depression is a treatable illness, and there are various treatment options available, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The exact cause of depression is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Here are a few examples of some of the factors that may contribute to the development of depression:
Genetics: Some research suggests that depression can run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
Brain chemistry: Depression is thought to be related to imbalances or changes in certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. These chemicals help to regulate mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic illnesses, may increase the risk of developing depression.
Trauma or stress: Traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a job loss, can trigger depression in some people. Chronic stress can also contribute to the development of depression.
Social factors: Social isolation, financial stress, and lack of social support can also contribute to the development of depression.
It’s important to note that depression is a complex disorder, and the causes can vary from person to person. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, as depression is a treatable illness.
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects a person’s mood, thoughts, and behavior. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of depression include:
It’s important to note that not everyone who has depression will have all of these symptoms, and some people may have symptoms that are not listed here. Also, some people may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, pain, cramps, or digestive problems.
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