Alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Since traditional treatment often doesn’t work, some people may be open to the idea of trying ketamine infusions. In which the results may be surprising to most.
Ketamine's Effect in Subtypes of Depression
The diversity of life on earth is extraordinary, therefore the perspectives and experiences we each carry as human beings can be vastly different from each other. In relation to medicine and mental health, researchers at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China recognized that we all have our own biological, environmental, and experiential complexities which prompted them to identify four different subgroups of depression: anxious, melancholic, anxious-melancholic, and no subtype. They then conducted a post-hoc study regarding the association between ketamine and the aforementioned subtypes.
Ketamine for Veterans with PTSD - A New Study
When veterans come home, their experiences can return with them. Sometimes their memories (especially traumatic ones) continue to vividly pop up in their heads, even to the point where they are reliving their traumas years after those events occurred. Experiencing emotional and psychological triggers after witnessing or being part of a terrifying event is known as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder.
Can Ketamine Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Ketamine's Efficacy and Safety in Anxiety Disorders
3 Simple Ways To Support A Person Receiving Ketamine Infusions
You have a friend or perhaps a significant other who has decided to undergo ketamine infusions. You may be all about ketamine or you may be skeptical; all are valid reactions and we’ve seen them all.
But let’s cut to the chase – this isn’t about you. This is about your loved one. They have been dealing with depression, anxiety and/or PTSD, as well as mental and/or physical pain. Perhaps you have been witness to it, have had your life affected by it, or are vaguely aware of it. Regardless, your loved one has decided on their own to try ketamine infusions.
Whether they say it or not, your loved one is going to look to you for support. So how can you support them while they receive ketamine infusions?
Mind Expansion With Ketamine Infusions: The Story Of The Well Frog
When we have anxiety, chronic pain, or depression our mind can get stuck in a rut - also known as rumination within the default mode network. Thought patterns emerge which further hurt and potentially prevent our healing
The Use of Ketamine as a Preventative Treatment for Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Pregnancy and birth can be an incredible experience for both mothers and their families. The last thing a new family might be thinking after bringing home their newborn baby is feelings of depression and sadness. Having a baby can trigger a large array of emotions, including; joy, excitement, anxiety, and fear. What most mothers, and even new fathers are not expecting to feel, is depressed.
The Effect of Hippocampal Neurogenesis In Depression
Neurogenesis
When you break the word itself down, it comes in two parts: “neuro” as in neuron, and “genesis” as in creation. Neurogenesis broadly speaking is the process by which new neurons are created in the brain, thus allowing for increased plasticity of the brain and stronger synaptic connections. Adult neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are created and integrated into existing brain circuitry when you are an adult. Adult neurogenesis can be seen in the olfactory bulb and the hippocampus.
Stoic Philosophy for Ketamine Patients
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy founded in the early 3rd century BC by Zeno of Citium. This school of philosophy guides us towards a life of tranquility and virtue. Tranquility is a state marked by the absence of negative feelings like anger, sadness, worry, and stress, and the presence of positive feelings – in particular joy. Virtue is the aim for excellence as a human being living in accordance with nature. Believe it or not, it is one of the roots of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Talking About Ketamine Infusions on Desert Living NBC Palm Springs
Going Beyond Serotonin in Depression
Depression is among the most disabling conditions in our society. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. In America, 12.5% of individuals over the age of 12 have filled an antidepressant prescription. Yet, the effectiveness of these medications are still lacking. Many patients don’t respond to antidepressant medications, and it can take months for the medicine to kick in. Unfortunately, many patients will regain their depression after being on medications long term.
A Beginner's Guide To Ketamine Infusions
How Ketamine Affects The Brain In Depression: fMRI perspective
Ketamine is alleviating symptoms of those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It works rapidly and effectively, especially compared to traditional treatment such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
So, how is ketamine making this happen? There is currently no definitive answer to “How Does Ketamine Exactly Work?”, and honestly we don’t believe there is only one single answer. We believe there are multiple mechanisms (scroll to the bottom to check out a couple videos where Dr. Ko explain the less “scientific” mechanisms, such as the spiritual mechanism)
New Evidence for Ketamine Infusions for Chronic Pain
In 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey to investigate the prevalence of chronic pain in the United States. They found that an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults (50 million people) had chronic pain. Additionally, “high-impact” (more severe, limiting) chronic pain was found in an estimated 8.0% of U.S. adults (19.6 million people).
How to Find the Right Ketamine Clinic For You
Ketamine clinics are popping up left and right in your town, or maybe you are ready to take a flight to find one. How do you know if the clinic is for you? How do you know if you should go there? We’d love to have everybody come to our clinic, but our clinic isn’t for everyone!
While there is no perfect way to do this (nor is there a perfect clinic!), here are a few questions to get answered to help find the right clinic for you.
What You Need To Know About Ketamine For PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects the lives of many people worldwide. Shockingly, more military personnel die by suicide than in combat. Many treatments have been subpar in the past, however, ketamine may be an alternative treatment option for those who are still struggling. But there are some caveats and considerations that need to be taken before jumping on the ketamine bandwagon.
Should I Get One or Multiple Ketamine Infusions?
Research supports multiple ketamine infusions are needed to minimize depression symptoms and maintain antidepressant effects. We recommend pursuing the 6 series infusion to start, followed by boosters as needed.
To understand what could be best for you, you’ll need to explore where the recommended protocol comes from and what can happen with too much for too long, and more. It’s a lot but no worries we’re here to walk you through it!
How Do Ketamine Infusions Help Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a leading cause of chronic pain affecting millions of Americans every day. Researchers hypothesize that central sensitization is the primary mechanism involved, but there are many other factors including genetics, immunological, psychological, and hormones that influence the development of fibromyalgia. Central sentization refers to a process called “wind-up” where the central nervous system gets regulated into a persistent state of high reactivity. This persistent or wound up state of reactivity lowers the threshold for what causes pain and can create extreme pain even with minimal stimulus. This phenomena is believed to be related to neuroplasticity which is mediated by the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors located in the spinal cord.
So how exactly do ketamine infusions help in fibromyalgia?
Ketamine’s most immediate mechanism of action is to block NMDA receptors. It is the most potent clinically available NMDA receptor antagonist today. By blocking the activity of the NMDA receptor, ketamine seems to reset the altered pain receptors that have become hypersensitized in patients with fibromyalgia.
Ketamine's Slow Acceptance By The Medical Community
If you are reading this article, then you are likely already aware of the potential of ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression, PTSD, suicidality, and anxiety. Unfortunately, the majority of people are unaware this is an option, or if they are aware, they simply believe ketamine is “just a horse tranquilizer” and drug of abuse that has no benefits in the treatment of mood disorders.