Ketamine Therapy Could Be The Solution for Teens Suffering from Depression

Teens Depression Treatment

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 16.2 million Americans have suffered at least one major depressive episode in their lives. Adolescents are not immune to depression, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has stepped up to take a stand. As of February 2018, an annual screening for depression is highly recommended when young adults turn 12 years old. Once diagnosed, however, many teenagers are left in the hands of psychiatrists and physicians who will prescribe antidepressants as a first line of defense. While prescription antidepressants can work for some, others are simply treatment-resistant and must seek out alternatives.

Talk therapy, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes are some options for adolescents who have tried prescription drugs or even for those who are on a waitlist to receive medical care. However, there may be another option for adolescents who need fast treatment: Ketamine infusions. IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy is showing great promise for those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.  Now, many researchers are suggesting Ketamine Therapy could be part of a multi-faceted approach for treatment and could be especially effective for providing rapid relief from depression in teens.

IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Depression

Some studies also show the effectiveness of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy on alleviating suicidal thoughts and severe depressive symptoms. Patients who otherwise felt hopeless when seeking treatment can now turn to intravenous ketamine infusions to manage symptoms.

Clinical trials and research studies on ketamine infusion therapy for adolescents suffering from depression and anxiety are underway. Yale University has conducted clinical trials to determine the tolerability and efficacy of a single ketamine infusion for the treatment of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and medication-refractory anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or separation anxiety disorder. The study monitored any improvements in depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients between the ages of 13 and 17.

Dramatic Results with Ketamine

Patients participating in the study reported dramatic relief from ketamine infusions. One young patient who enrolled in a clinical trial had already tried several types of medications and behavioral therapy before ketamine. For this patient, a single infusion of ketamine was so effective that she continued treatment through the Yale Interventional Psychiatry Service at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is offered as an off label use and could be a treatment option, or part of a multi-faceted approach, for those suffering from depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Intravenous treatments are easy to administer and well-tolerated by most patients. For teens suffering from depression or anxiety, ketamine shows some promise for alleviating symptoms for weeks to months after treatment with minimal  side effects.

For more information about Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatments for depression, bipolar, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, pain syndromes and other conditions contact us at Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles in Southern California (Orange County) by clicking here or calling  310-270-0625.