Ketamine is an anesthetic approved for use in the 1970s for its ability to anesthetize quickly and safely with few side effects. It is also commonly used as a painkiller because it is faster and safer than opiates and barbiturate anesthetics.
Within the last decade, Ketamine has been shown to have a success rate of over 70% when used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, PTSD, as well as suicidal thoughts.
How does Ketamine work?
When administered intravenously at a sub-anesthetic dose, ketamine interacts with receptors and the chemistry of the brain and has (often immediate) anti-depressant effects, even in individuals with severe, Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
Ketamine interrupts certain synaptic pathways which reset neural connections involved with mood. This allows for new connections to develop, thereby relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Mutations in the GABA-A receptor cause a temporary imbalance between GABA signaling (yellow) and glutamate signaling (blue) in the brain. Homeostatic down regulation of glutamate signaling rebalances the system at a lower level and can lead to depression. Treatment with ketamine restores both GABA and glutamate levels to normal. Source: Penn State.
The Ketamine Infusion Experience
Two ketamine infusions a few days apart are administered and monitored by a board certified anesthesiologist, in a quiet and private room. Guests then relax and continue to be monitored by a psychiatrist following treatment. A customized infusion maintenance plan is developed at discharge.
At The Woodlands Psychiatry and Counseling, we are committed to providing support for individuals with mental health conditions by providing the most comprehensive whole body mental health rehabilitation services available.
Our inpatient program offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals in need of immediate care, with a focus individualized holistic mental health services and, upon discharge, an ongoing wellness plan.
