Treatment of depressive disorder with ketamine therapy method in Iranian psychiatric hospital

Compiler: Narges Isfahani

Depression is a common and serious medical condition that affects a person's mood, thinking patterns, and behavior negatively. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and may include feeling sad or having a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts, in severe cases.

Fortunately, this disorder is treatable, and nowadays, there are various innovative treatment methods available for it, such as Ketamine therapy.

Ketamine was initially used as an anesthetic for animals in Belgium in the 1960s. The FDA approved it as an anesthetic for humans in 1970.

In this therapy, a substance called Ketamine, which is primarily an anesthetic and sedative, is administered to the body under specialized supervision. Treatment can be administered via injection, nasal spray, or oral lozenges.

Ketamine induces what physicians call "dissociative experiences," and others call it a "trip." Ketamine may cause perceptual distortions, such as visual and sensory alterations, or distorted perceptions of the body and unusual beliefs or thoughts temporarily.

The potential of this drug as a treatment for depression and suicidal ideation has attracted researchers' attention. It is evident that occasional therapeutic use under medical supervision may help individuals who do not respond to other medications.

The FDA has warned that intravenous Ketamine and Ketamine-related products are not approved for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. Physicians prescribing intravenous Ketamine tend to advise patients to continue their antidepressant medications regularly because they believe Ketamine is an intervention, but the concept of treatment is much broader than that.

Ketamine is one of the few drugs used globally today as a "depression treatment" with strong and rapid efficacy. This therapeutic approach has become so popular that clinics and treatment centers around the world have been established under the name "Ketamine Therapy."

Research results indicate that depression symptoms decrease significantly from the first session to the end of therapy sessions. Considering the considerable effect of "Ketamine Therapy" in reducing depressive symptoms and its lack of side effects, this drug can be used as an auxiliary and highly effective treatment for patients with depression.

"Iranian Psychiatric Hospital" is a specialized hospital that, by utilizing science and experience, provides the best services in treating individuals with depression through "Ketamine Therapy." Employing anesthesia and psychiatry specialists, experienced technicians, and seasoned psychologists and nurses with a special focus, this hospital offers the best services in "Ketamine Therapy."

Ketamine therapy services at the Iranian Psychiatric Hospital are available on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please coordinate with the hospital's admissions department by phone before your visit.