Around 5.7 million Americans, or around 2.8% of the adult population 18 years and older, suffer from bipolar disorder according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); both men and women are equally afflicted. Approximately 83% of the cases are deemed serious, and this illness can get worse over time if left untreated. Extreme mood fluctuations caused by this mental health condition include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
The primary symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are a lack of interest in once-enjoyable hobbies, changes to eating and sleep patterns, withdrawal from friends, and avoidance of usual social activities. Sometimes the medication that is typically prescribed for this condition is ineffective, which can result in treatment-resistant depression. Anyone managing the signs and repercussions of mental health disorders must consider this to be a major drawback.
How Does Ketamine Infusion therapy work for patients dealing with bipolar disorder?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a relatively new treatment option for bipolar disorder that has shown promise in recent studies. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. The traditional treatment options for bipolar disorder include medication and talk therapy, but these treatments can take weeks or even months to take effect and may not be effective for everyone. Ketamine infusion therapy, on the other hand, is a fast-acting treatment that has been shown to provide relief from symptoms of bipolar disorder within just a few hours.
Here are five reasons why ketamine infusion therapy may be an effective treatment option for bipolar disorder:
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Ketamine works quickly:
One of the biggest advantages of ketamine infusion therapy is that it works very quickly. Many patients report feeling an improvement in their symptoms within just a few hours of receiving their first infusion. This is important for patients with bipolar disorder, as the condition can be debilitating and the sooner relief from symptoms can be achieved, the better.
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Ketamine is effective in treating depression:
bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mood swings, depression, and mania. Traditional antidepressants can be effective in treating depressive episodes, but often have limited effects on manic episodes. Ketamine treatment for depression has been shown to have powerful anti-depressant effects and may be more effective in treating the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.
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Ketamine targets the NMDA receptor:
It is believed that ketamine treatment works by targeting a specific receptor in the brain called the NMDA receptor and increasing glutamate-which is involved in regulating mood, pain, and other functions. By targeting this receptor, ketamine is able to quickly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
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Ketamine is well-tolerated:
Ketamine has been used for decades in anesthesia and has an excellent safety profile. In terms of ketamine infusion therapy, it is typically administered under the supervision of a qualified medical professional, and side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
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Ketamine may have long-term effects:
Studies have also shown that ketamine infusion therapy may have long-term effects in reducing symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Some patients report that their symptoms continue to improve for several days or even weeks after receiving an infusion and that with multiple infusions over a period of time, they have experienced sustained relief from their symptoms.
What can a patient expect from the Ketamine therapy session?
During the ketamine-assisted therapy session, a person with bipolar disorder will be given a low dose of ketamine and monitored closely by a clinician. The dose is intended to induce a trance-like state, allowing the person to access the insight and emotional understanding that is not available during regular states of consciousness. During this state, the person may experience a sense of clarity, allowing them to process and confront past traumas, explore their feelings, and learn new ways of thinking and behaving. The goal of ketamine-assisted therapy is to help people with bipolar disorder develop greater emotional insight, work through difficult emotions, and gain more control over their thoughts and behaviors.
It is important to note that Ketamine infusion therapy is still a relatively new treatment and should be used with the guidance of a medical and along with a collaborating mental health wellness professional in conjunction with adjunctive treatment method(s) for better results for the patient.
In conclusion, ketamine infusion therapy is a fast-acting treatment option that has been shown to provide relief from the symptoms of bipolar disorder. By targeting the NMDA receptor in the brain, ketamine is able to quickly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It also has a good safety profile and potential long-term effects on the reduction of symptoms. It should be considered as an alternative treatment option under the guidance of a medical and mental health professional.
Experience the benefits of ketamine IV therapy with Sunshine Infusion. We are located in the heart of downtown Miami, Florida. Our team of experts provides personalized treatment for a variety of mood disorders, including Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum Depression (PPD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Bipolar conditions. Don’t let your mood disorder control your life.
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REFERENCES:
When writing this article, the following sources were consulted:
National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Statistics
National Library of Medicine: Ketamine in Bipolar Disorder: A Review
