Recently, mental health has declined by an estimated 25%, due to an increase in depression and anxiety. Concerns regarding this statistic are sparking movements to determine how to improve mental health.

Some are turning to ketamine infusion therapy as an alternative to traditional antidepressants. It’s FDA-approved but isn’t considered the first choice for treating mental health disorders.

Ketamine infusions have been shown to relieve or reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If you’re interested in learning about the benefits of ketamine for mental health, consider reading ahead.

What is Ketamine Infusion Treatment?

Ketamine was originally introduced in 1970 as a nonbarbiturate and fast-acting general anesthetic. It was primarily used for short surgical procedures. However, it’s now used for its antitumor, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

When it comes to mental health, ketamine infusions can assist with physical health in terms of chronic pain, which can be a factor in an anxiety disorder. What’s more interesting, though, is that ketamine infusions stimulate the release of glutamate, and seem to ease depressive symptoms extremely quickly.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that promotes synapse growth in the brain. Studies determined that ketamine increases synapse growth in parts of the brain that are causing certain types of depression. Because of this, it’s now considered the best alternative for patients that haven’t found success with conventional medications.

Benefits of Ketamine Infusions

Ketamine infusion therapy starts working within hours. It works very quickly, but this is just one of the many benefits of ketamine.

This type of therapy also has a high rate of success. Even though researchers are still studying ketamine, more than half of patients with treatment resistant depression find relief with their first ketamine infusion. This is excellent, given the fact that this treatment option involves six sessions over six weeks.

Conventional anti-depressants can often present a wide variety of negative symptoms. In some cases, they can even cause more issues with depression and PTSD. Furthermore, even if a patient finds success with them, they’re required to stay on the medication for the rest of their life.

Ketamine infusion therapy is different, in this sense, because you only undergo the treatment once. That is, after the typical six sessions, you’re done. You don’t have to continue taking ketamine after leaving the final session.

It’s long-lasting, thanks to its work promoting synapse growth and development in the brain. It can take decades for certain neuron connections to degrade, and that includes the new ones built with ketamine.

Treating Your Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD can have powerful negative impacts on a person’s life. Psychological and psychiatric care for mental health can only go so far with conventional medication. Some patients need an alternative like ketamine to see an improvement in their symptoms.

Ketamine infusions offer just that! They have the potential to be a fast-acting, long-lasting solution for people that are truly struggling. Ketamine infusions aren’t for everyone, though. They require approval, a ketamine-certified clinic, and an experienced provider.

Reach out if you need some guidance on picking alternative treatment options for your physical or mental health. You can also reach out to Victory Medical staff by calling 512-462-DOCS (3627). Ketamine infusions are effective, but we’ll gladly guide you through other alternatives if necessary.