Ketamine for Depression Treatment

Some are calling it the biggest breakthrough for depression treatment in more than 50 years. 

At Genesis Ketamine Centers, we are proud to offer the latest in mental health treatment options. In addition to high levels of safety standards and patient care, Genesis Ketamine Centers utilizes ketamine infusion therapy for the treatment of clinical depression, as well as other mood disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

Our mission at Genesis Ketamine in Philadelphia, PA, is to provide personalized, high-quality management options for people struggling with treatment-resistant conditions. Ketamine infusions have proven to be a powerful and rapid treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.

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What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder and mental health condition that affects millions of Americans each year. Depression can cause intense sadness, which then can lead to someone stepping away from their responsibilities in favor of isolation from both their loved ones and their social life. It also deeply affects how a person thinks or behaves, as well as brings on a bevy of emotional or physical problems like persistent anxiety. With depression, it can become difficult to complete everyday tasks, and in some cases, you may have suicidal thoughts.

Depression is no one’s fault, and because of this, there is no shame in going through it. Suffering from depression is not a sign of weakness, and oftentimes will require long-term treatment rather short-term fixes. Fortunately, many sufferers of depression respond positively to various treatment options offered by modern healthcare.

What are the Causes of Depression?

Depression is very complex and can be caused by a number of different factors. In fact, depression is typically the result of a mix of factors both internal and external, such as differences in biology, differences in brain chemistry, hormonal changes, and family history. Continue reading to learn more about these factors and how they contribute to the way you are feeling.

Differences in Biology

Research shows that those suffering from depression may have physical changes within the brain, like brain shrinkage, inflammation, oxygen restriction, and structural/connective changes. While the exact significance of these differences is still not known, this may aid research in the future.

Differences in Brain Chemistry

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain, oftentimes described as the human body’s chemical messengers. Research is still in progress but indicates that changes to the function and result of the neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as how they connect with neural circuits, may contribute to both the onset of depression and additionally how it is treated.

Hormonal Changes

Depression can be caused by hormonal changes in the body that come around during/after pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, or other underlying conditions that have yet to be discovered.

Hormone changes may come about during pregnancy (or after delivery) or from thyroid problems, menopause, or other conditions yet undiscovered.

Family History

One is more likely to develop depression or experience depressive episodes if a family member also suffers from the disorder. Research shows that while we have yet to discover the why’s and how’s, there does seem to be a correlation between depression and family history.

Depression is much more prevalent in those whose blood relatives also suffer from this disorder. Research into what genes are involved is still ongoing.

What are the Complications of Depression?

Depression is not something that goes away if ignored or untreated, and will likely only get worse if not addressed early on. It can quickly become a great hindrance to one’s emotional and mental health. Examples of this include:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Physical illness
  • Pain or chronic aches
  • Alcohol or substance abuse
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic disorders
  • Social phobia
  • Work or school problems
  • Relationship troubles with loved ones
  • Social isolation and withdrawal
  • Suicidal ideations or attempts
  • Self-harm

How Do You Prevent Depression?

Regrettably, there is no surefire way to avoid a person from developing this condition or becoming depressed. That said, a few steps you can take to lower the risk consist of:

Control Stress: Minimizing stress can strengthen your resilience and boost your self-respect at the same time.
Construct a Support Net: Your close family and friends may be tremendous sources of comfort to you in your times of need.
Get Therapy: The quicker you seek treatment, the lower possibility you stand of intensifying symptoms.
The Types of Depression
Depression presents differently in everyone, but can generally be divided into seven categories: clinical depression, postpartum depression (PPD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), atypical depression, persistent depressive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Clinical Depression

Also referred to as major depressive disorder. This is the standard form of depression and is characterized by the following key symptoms:

  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Changes in sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in weight
  • Depressed mood
  • Feelings of self-hate and guilt
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of self-harm

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also referred to as dysthymia, this is the type of depression that is chronic or long-term. People who suffer from this form of depression may experience moments where they notice their depression has lifted, but these episodes are not a sign of being cured. They typically last less than two months at a time. Symptoms can include:

  • Lack of enthusiasm in hobbies
  • Feelings of unhappiness
  • Feelings of self-hate and guilt
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Impatience
  • Irritability
  • Low self-esteem
  • Trouble concentrating

Postpartum Depression

PPD is a form of depression that develops as a result of significant changes in hormone levels during/after pregnancy. It is more than just a case of the “baby blues” and should be taken seriously. Someone experiencing PPD should be treated by a mental health professional for the best results.

Symptoms can look like this:

  • Feelings of sadness
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble bonding with the baby
  • Social withdrawal
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
  • Suicidal ideations or thoughts

Premenstrual Dysphoric Depression

Related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms may include:

  • Feelings of despair
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble bonding with the newborn
  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Social withdrawal
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
  • Suicidal ruminations or thoughts

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Believed to be caused by disturbances in the body’s circadian rhythm. This type of depression is thought to be affected by the changes in the seasons.

Atypical Depression

A form of depression that does not adhere to the set of characteristics that usually becomes of someone with depression. These alternative symptoms may look like:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Excessive eating and sleeping
  • Sensitivity to rejection
  • Strongly reactive moods

Lifestyle Changes

There are certain lifestyle changes that can be made that are very useful when combined with a treatment like ketamine infusion.

Treatment Plan

An essential part of the healing process is to develop a healthcare plan and stick to it. Do not skip ketamine infusions, psychotherapy sessions, or neglect to take your prescribed medications. These treatments may take months at a time, and they may not alleviate all of your symptoms, but recovery takes time. Have patience and trust your healthcare providers.

Educate Yourself

To learn is to understand and to understand it to heal. Learn as much as you can about your disorder so that you pick up new ways to combat it. Your family and friends can also become educated on the nature of your symptoms so that they too can help understand and help you towards feeling better.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Work with your therapist and/or healthcare provider to learn what triggers your symptoms. It may help to keep a journal so that you can discover patterns in the depressive episodes. This way, with the help of your therapist and/or healthcare provider, you can formulate a plan on what to do next time one of your symptoms begins to show.

Avoid Alcohol & Drug Abuse

It’s important to keep in mind that while alcohol and/or drugs may help reduce the pain of depression symptoms temporarily, they will only create more problems and worsen your symptoms in the long run. It also carries the risk of making your illness harder to treat.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Try to make sure you’re eating healthy whenever possible, as well as making physical activity a priority. It can come in the form of walking, jogging, swimming, working in the garden, or cycling. Also, try your best to keep a consistent sleep schedule. These activities combined can help you feel some relief from your symptoms.

Request Your Free Consultation Today

At Genesis Ketamine Centers, you will have a free consultation with an experienced physician who will tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs. Call and schedule a free consultation with Genesis Ketamine Centers today and discover how ketamine for depression can help you.

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