More than 264 million people in the world suffer from depression. It can become a serious health concern if left untreated or if the treatments don’t work. Unlike other medical conditions, depression is often neglected due to the stigma associated with mental illness. Depression doesn’t show up in a blood test or on a scan, but it is as real as any other medical disease. Unfortunately, for those affected by depression, some cannot find a treatment that works, or the side effects are too severe to continue treatment. Also, because the stigma may be too big to face, some people are suffering in silence from chronic severe depression that can make just getting out of bed in the morning an overwhelming, unbearable task. It touches every aspect of their daily life, but recovery at times can seem hopeless.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HAVE DEPRESSION
No pleasure or joy in life.
Constant feelings of hopelessness.
Low self-esteem.
Sleeping too much or not getting restful sleep.
Low energy levels.
Headaches, making it hard to focus on a task.
Many people think depression is a choice, while others down play the symptoms. Depression won’t go away on its own, it’s not just a bad day, and not treating it can have devastating consequences. It is so much more than sadness and the symptoms can last for years. Fortunately, there is a new treatment that is bringing hope to people who have not responded to anti-depressants and therapy. Ketamine infusion treatments are changing the way people are living with severe depression. Unlike existing medications, relief can sometimes occur within hours of treatment.
IS KETAMINE RIGHT FOR YOU?
You may be a candidate for Ketamine infusion therapy if:
You have treatment-resistant depression.
You unable to tolerate the side effects of your current antidepressant treatment
You have a referral from your psychiatrist or primary care provider.
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
Ketamine was first introduced in the 1960s as an anesthetic and pain killer. In the early 2000’s medical researchers began to study the effect of Ketamine on mental health. They found that Ketamine worked very quickly, sometimes within hours and that it had a significant impact on alleviating the symptoms of depression. Ketamine is not FDA-approved for depression, but it is FDA approved for other uses, meaning it is safe to use in controlled medical practice. In fact, one in five prescriptions written today are for off-label use. (http://bit.ly/offlabelnumber) Medications prescribed off-label can be life-changing, especially if a patient has exhausted all other approved options. Ketamine has shown to significantly improve the depressive symptoms of 70-80% of the patients treated.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a major depressive disorder, we are here to help. Call (937) 358-8871 today to see if you are a candidate for Ketamine infusion treatment.
