Preventing a Silent Killer Suicide Fast-acting Ketamine Therapy Can Help Alleviate Despair Within Hours

By Robert E. Litman, MD

CBH Health, LLC

. https://www.cbhhealth.com/

More Mental Health Articles

Preventing a Silent Killer Suicide Fast-acting Ketamine Therapy Can Help Alleviate Despair Within Hours

People who suffer with depression describe feelings of sadness, rage, agitation, disconnection from others, or thoughts of harming oneself. Often times, signs of suicide are not obvious. Research scientists are studying the effects of low doses of a well-known anesthesic drug called ketamine, to treat patients who are struggling with depression, PTSD, and emotional and physical trauma all of which increase the risk of suicide.

Ketamine has been used by anesthesiologists for general anesthesia for both pediatric and adult patients. However new applications of this drug for emotional problems are now showing great promise with relieving anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. According to a study published by Drugs of R & D (March 2015), patients reported a reduction in depressive and suicidal ideation (SI) in as little as 40 minutes post infusion.

Ketamine vs. Antidepressants

Antidepressants, which are the standard treatments for emotional disorders, need 3-6 weeks to take effect. However, ketamine therapy compared to these medications, work within 40 minutes post infusion and last up to 10 days after. This treatment provides immediate aid and longer lasting results compared to other prescribed medications, but can be used in conjunction with antidepressants prescribed by your doctor.

Illegal Ketamine Abuse is Unrelated

Club-goers know ketamine as Special K, where some people abuse extremely high doses of ketamine, seeking a dreamlike, disassociated state this is both illegal and a medically unsafe use of ketamine. Ketamine therapy, when used by a doctor or in anesthesia is clinically safe. The dosage used to treat depression is actually lower than the anesthesia dose and has minimal to no side effects.

A Holistic Approach

Once people are relieved from the immediate thought of ending their life, there is still work to do. Individuals need to learn to cope with depression and find ways to change negative thinking. In addition to medications, patients need to examine other areas of their life; through psychotherapy, by eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, practicing meditation all these techniques help retrain the brain cope with, and not avoid, the darker thoughts that are characteristic of depression.

Ketamine Clinicians' Credentials Matter

If you or a loved are experiencing depressive feelings or anxiety, please consider consulting an experienced psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist, or a clinic that offers ketamine therapy. Experienced doctors will conduct detailed medical and behavioral evaluations to determine if a patient is an appropriate candidate. They will carefully tailor treatment, by monitoring, customizing, and personalizing to optimally serve each patient's unique needs. They or their staff members will also seek to coordinate with a multidisciplinary care team to promote optimal outcomes and healing.

Many patients have obtained a sudden, immediate lift from the heavy weight of anxiety. Why not take the next step and explore your options? Let today be the day to stop suffering from anxiety and depression and start living your life again.