If you are researching “Pasadena depression treatment center,” you have probably seen information about Ketamine and other interventional psychiatric treatments. While ketamine infusions can be successful in treating conditions like depression, there are pros and cons to consider before pursuing this course of treatment.
Ketamine Pasadena
There is more than one type of ketamine treatment available, but both are used to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Ketamine is never a first-line therapy, but it can be beneficial when medication alone fails to produce the desired results for patients.
Esketamine
Esketamine is Ketamine in S form. This type of Ketamine is administered intranasally and is FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. This treatment, as well as TMS solutions Pasadena, has a fast recovery time. Esketamine should only be taken in the office where the staff can monitor the patient.
IV Infusions
The traditional delivery method for Ketamine Pasadena is through IV therapy. Originally used as an anesthetic, Ketamine has been explored in psychiatry for more than two decades to influence the regions of the brain that affect behavior and mood. Ketamine is administered in a medical facility through a slow IV drip while experienced staff carefully monitor the patient.
Pros and Cons of Ketamine Pasadena Infusions
Pros:
Quick relief of symptoms – Ketamine affects the neurotransmitter glutamate. Increasing this transmitter’s levels is thought to be the reason for nearly immediate relief of depression symptoms.
- Few side effects – Although Ketamine can cause drowsiness, most side effects are minimal.
- High success rate – Ketamine infusions have a success rate of roughly 50 percent to 70 percent.
Cons
- Less than convenient – Due to drowsiness and the potential for other side effects, infusions must take place where experienced medical professionals can monitor patients. The time it takes from a person’s day is less than convenient. It may be challenging to comply with treatment protocols since multiple treatments are necessary to maintain the results.
- Potential for addiction – Ketamine can cause a psychological addiction similar to cannabis rather than a physical addiction like opiates. However, its addictive qualities mean it will not suit all patients.
- Not covered by Insurance – While many insurance companies will cover the cost of esketamine, ketamine infusions are often paid for out-of-pocket.
Other Options
Ketamine is not the only option at a Pasadena depression treatment center. An intervention that does not require long observation times after treatment is TMS. With TMS, patients enjoy relief from their symptoms after short sessions and are free to go on their day.
TMS solutions Pasadena are not only FDA approved, but many insurance companies also cover them. Like Ketamine, protocols with Brainsway dTMS have shown excellent results for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
If you are suffering from depression symptoms that are not alleviated with medication and therapy alone, please feel free to reach out to the team at Pasadena Neuropsychiatry. We will be happy to help you find an effective solution and get the relief you need to live your life.