Ketamine can be a groundbreaking alternative to traditional antidepressants and other treatment options that don’t elicit results to treatment-resistant depression. In fact, over 70% of patients who underwent ketamine treatment saw a substantial improvement in their depressive symptoms. There has been a surplus of research surrounding the effects of ketamine to alleviate depression, but not nearly as much has been done about how a patient can predict if ketamine will be effective for them personally.
There is nothing worse than trying treatment after treatment to no avail. Thankfully, some researchers have identified predictors that could determine whether ketamine would be an effective treatment option. Subjective happiness during infusions of ketamine can be linked to a reduced amount of depressive symptoms during a follow-up, according to several studies and Mu-Hong Chen, MD, Ph.D. Additionally, these predictors can be used to ascertain the likelihood of a person’s response:
- Family history of an alcohol use disorder in a first-degree relative
- Non-melancholic and melancholic-anxious features
- Moderate or severe anhedonia at baseline
- The absence of prior suicide attempts
Prolong the Positive Effects
Although not enough conclusive research has come out to discern exactly whether or not ketamine will work for a given person before they try it, there are things you can do in order to increase or prolong the positive effects of ketamine and to continue feeling the improvements that ketamine infusions provide. While ketamine infusion treatment is helpful in lots of cases of treatment-resistant depression, there is no quick fix or magic cure to mental health issues like depression. However, in order to keep a healthy lifestyle, adding some of these practices to your everyday life could prolong the effects of ketamine infusion therapy and positively impact your future.
- Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness are excellent tools that exhibit gratefulness practices and overall wellness. Mediation can give you a sense of calm and peace that benefits your emotional well-being. Learning meditation can help to keep you focused on the positive and centered all day long, especially during stressful or challenging moments. - Exercise
The effects of exercise on depressive symptoms cannot be overlooked. When a person gets the proper exercise, their body releases endorphins that help to promote physical and mental health. Not to mention, exercise can improve sleep and metabolism functions. Pairing healthy exercise with ketamine infusions is important in promoting overall health and wellness. - Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is imperative when treating depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy helps to build self-esteem, re-evaluate daily situations for improved response, strengthens coping mechanisms, and can improve social and community functioning. Working with a therapist in addition to receiving ketamine infusions helps to ensure a person is on the right track for sustained happiness and wellbeing. - Nutrition
As most people know, proper nutrition is important physically, however it is also important for your mental health because you are setting yourself up for fewer fluctuations in mood. Recently, research has given rise to a concept called nutritional psychiatry. Essentially, nutritional psychiatry is the notion that our diets determine a lot about not only our physical health but also our mental health. A healthy diet is important for brain development, but it also helps promote healthy gut bacteria which is responsible for keeping your immune system in check. A healthy and balanced diet can be responsible for a decrease in depression and anxiety for some. - Journaling
Keeping feelings to yourself can be detrimental to your mental health. When you have the proper outlets, sharing your feelings can be therapeutic and cathartic. The health benefits of journaling are unrivaled, helping us detect unhealthy thinking patterns and reveal greater self-awareness. Because journaling uses both sides of your brain to help you engage in both analytical and creative thinking, it can boost your mood and strengthen your sense of well-being.
If you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression, ketamine infusion therapy might be right for you. Ketamine infusion therapy is there for those who feel like they have no hope. If you or a loved one needs help, contact VIP Ketamine for a free consultation today. Request a free consultation from our office today.