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Ketamine Therapy
Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression
At The Blend Institute, we understand that distinct treatments work differently for different people. Some individuals suffer from what is known as “Treatment-resistant Depression” (TRD), which is not relieved by routine therapy or medication. That can be a difficult and demoralizing situation. TRD leaves a person with limited motivation, minimal pleasure, and seemingly inconsistent degrees of established comfort.
The Promise of Ketamine Infusions
Studies have shown that low-dose Ketamine infusions have a positive and long-lasting effect on TRD. Patients who experience unwanted effects from antidepressant medications, or whose depressive symptoms continuously recur, find that their symptoms rescind rapidly after a small number of Ketamine infusions. These studies have produced positive results regarding Ketamine’s effectiveness and tolerability:
- “Serial infusions of low-dose ketamine for major depression” (Rasmussen et al. 2013) reference link
- “Ketamine for treatment-resistant unipolar depression: current evidence” (Matthew et al. 2012) reference link
Rapid Relief Compared to Traditional Medications
Traditional antidepressant medications can keep depressive symptoms at bay and may also create the stability required to benefit from therapy. Unfortunately, it can often take weeks or months to experience relief. Ketamine works more like an emotional reboot. It has been shown to take effect immediately, affording patients the energy and motivation to make changes in their life. Some observations have even shown regrowth of atrophied neurons in the brain, leading to the long-term effects as shown in a study titled “Rapid and longer-term antidepressant effects of repeated ketamine infusions in treatment-resistant major depression” (Murrough et al. 2012). Researchers administered medication to 24 TRD patients for 12 days, and ratings on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale dropped within two hours of treatment. They concluded at the end of their trials that results were “predictive of a sustained effect.”
A Lifeline for Severe Depression
Depression can take a diminishing toll on a person’s life, and too often many people give up on finding effective treatment – too many successfully commit suicide. Today, more than 15 years after the breakthrough discovery at Yale, the treatment is finally starting to reach the patients who need it most. Still, only a very few number of physicians in the entire country are skilled in this treatment. We believe this is a significant advancement for mental health. To date, we have had overwhelming success with our combined evaluation and treatment and are extremely proud to be staffed with a knowledgeable team that is able to offer Ketamine Therapy to our patients.
Considering Ketamine Therapy
If you have suffered and given up hope for effective treatment, ketamine therapy may be appealing to you. We are certain you have questions. What does it mean when ketamine “works?” What does it feel like? What are the costs? Does it relieve both physical symptoms and emotional ones? Is it a permanent cure? What are the risks? These are significant questions that deserve an educated and honest answer. We will make every effort to address your concerns and satisfy your confidence. We make no claims or promises. We simply present the facts and you decide if Ketamine therapy is right for you.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Schedule a consultation with our expert team at The Blend Institute to discuss if Ketamine treatments are the best path forward for you and your family.
Our office is conveniently located just east of I-75 on SR 70 in Bradenton and is proud to serve the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Parrish communities.
