A study published last week in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that ketamine infusions can improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This newly published study adds to a large body of international research demonstrating the incredible effects ketamine infusions can have.
The study focused on 424 individuals with treatment-resistant depression who had intravenous infusions at three different private clinics. The patients were treated between November 2017 to May 2021 in Virginia, self-identifiying as people who struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, or anxiety. During each visit, patients completed mental health surveys.
Within six weeks of beginning infusions, researchers report that half of the patients noted impacts to their mental health. 20% had remission of depressive symptoms. Half of those with suicidal ideation were in remission after six weeks, and there was a 30% reduction in anxiety symptoms in the same time period.
While this study in particular does not assess side effects or adverse reactions to the treatment, previous studies have not found long-term impacts of infusions on memory or cognitive function.
Side Effects with Ketamine Therapy are Rare and Mild
While side effects are possible, they are generally rare and mild. Those who do experience side effects tend to notice some temporary blurring of vision or double vision, a feeling of “lightness”, “floating”, or intoxication, and sometimes some numbness in the toes or area around the mouth. Other common feelings include euphoria, talkativeness, a feeling of being “disconnected” or in a dream, heightened perceptions (background noise may seem louder, colors or lights are more intense), and a feeling that people often describe as “weird, odd, different, or interesting”. See answers to other frequently asked questions about this treatment method.
Patients are always closely monitored during infusions at Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers, with offices in Maryland and Virginia. Our highly-rated private practices are located in Maryland and Virginia, in Rockville, Bethesda, Columbia, Reston, Vienna, and Marshall. For more information on our team, see our website.
To schedule a consultation with Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers, visit freedomketaminecenters.com, or call (301) 235-9022.
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