Who is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy

More than 17 million adults in America alone have a diagnosable depressive disorder. It is estimated that one-third of this group experience resistance to treatment. Despite trying multiple methods of treatment involving medications and behavioral therapies, they do not find relief.  Treatment-resistant depression can make you feel hopeless and like there is no solution to your problem. Worsening depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Ketamine therapy helps those with treatment-resistant depression and erases thoughts of suicide for many people. It may be a good solution for you also. Keep reading to learn more about who is and who is not a good candidate for Ketamine therapy. Considerations for Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy When considering treatment options for depressive disorders, your psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to ensure you can benefit from Ketamine therapy. Treatment considerations include the following: Severity of depressive …

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What is Ketamine Used for in Mental Health?

woman in doctor's office asking: what is ketamine used for in mental health?

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Ketamine is used in mental health primarily to treat depression, notably treatment-resistant depression. It’s also being explored for treating other conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and certain chronic pain conditions. Its rapid-acting, antidepressant effects offer a lifeline to those who have found limited relief from conventional treatments. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others, are debilitating conditions that impact millions worldwide. For many of these individuals, conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy provide relief. However, for a significant number, these standard therapies fall short, leaving them trapped in a cycle of unyielding symptoms. This predicament, known as treatment-resistant mental health disorders, can create a profound sense of hopelessness for affected individuals. The longer the symptoms persist, the greater the risk of harmful consequences, including personal and professional life disruption, strained relationships, and in severe cases, …

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Ketamine Treatment Benefits for Anxiety Relief

ketamine treatment benefits

For some people, anxiety is a mild nervousness that subsides after a few minutes or hours. For others, anxiety means constant worry, panic attacks, obsessive negative thoughts, and compulsive behaviors to help alleviate the anxiety. If you have anxiety, you are not alone. In the United States, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder. Over 40 million people over 18 are affected by anxiety. There are various types of anxiety disorders Americans are coping with today, including: 6.8 million with generalized anxiety disorder 6 million with panic disorder 15 million with social anxiety disorder 19.3 million with specific phobias 2.5 million with obsessive-compulsive disorder 7.7 million with post-traumatic stress disorder Fortunately, all anxiety disorders are treatable and manageable using a combination of medication, therapy, and alternative treatments. Common Treatments for Anxiety Anxiety treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your physical, mental, social, and familial histories. A licensed mental …

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Start the New Year with Ketamine IV Therapy

Start the new year with Ketamine IV therapy

Have you ever heard of Ketamine IV therapy? If not, or if you have but never considered, this can be the year you find the right treatment for depression. Out of the nearly 9 million American adults with major depressive disorder, almost 3 million have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD refers to those who have tried various therapies, including antidepressants, therapy, alternative treatments, and combinations of these, to alleviate symptoms of depression, but nothing has worked successfully. Statistics show that those with TRD have much higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Therefore, finding a treatment that works is a top priority among researchers. Below is a concise guide to ketamine therapy and how it can help you overcome mental health symptoms in the new year. What is Ketamine? Ketamine was once used as anesthesia for soldiers injured during battles in the 1970s. Around 1975, ketamine had also become a street drug, being misused …

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Comparing Esketamine vs Ketamine Infusion Treatment

Comparing Esketamine vs Ketamine infusion treatment

Although Esketamine and Ketamine infusions can help manage treatment-resistant depression (TRD), each has its differences. Today, we will explore Esketamine vs Ketamine infusion treatment and find out how they affect the brain, how the administration and dosage work, what the side effects are, and much more. Esketamine vs Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression A few years ago, in 2019, psychiatrists anxiously awaited a decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They debated whether to approve Esketamine as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) for those diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or at a higher risk for suicide. Treatment-resistant depression is a diagnosis given to someone who has tried two or more therapies or a combination of treatments to improve their mental health, including medication and counseling, without success. Current data shows that at least 30% of people with MDD are eventually diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. Having either disorder can feel overwhelming, and …

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