Depression Treatment
Alive Health+Wellness
Feeling Depressed? You Are Not Alone
In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. This represents 6.7% of all adults in the United States.
The NIMH also reports that women are more likely to experience depression than men. In 2016, an estimated 8.5% of women in the United States had at least one major depressive episode, compared to 4.8% of men.
In terms of age, depression is most common in young adults. The NIMH reports that in 2016, 8.3% of adults aged 18 to 25 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode, the highest rate among all age groups.
A New Depression Treatment in Wildwood, MO, Shows Promising Results in Patients
Ketamine is a promising new treatment for depression that has shown positive results in multiple clinical trials. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to take effect, ketamine can provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression.
Additionally, ketamine has been found to be effective in treating depression that has not responded to other treatments. This innovative treatment is helping many people who have struggled with depression to find relief and improve their quality of life.
How Does Ketamine for Depression Work?
Recent evidence points to ketamine’s inhibitory effects on the NMDA receptor in the lateral habenula. The lateral habenula is a brain region primarily responsible for encoding negative rewards or anti-reward cause-and-effect relationships. Those with depression and anxiety show an overactivity of burst firing in the lateral habenula. As a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, ketamine prevents glutamate from activating the NMDA receptor.
The inhibition of the NMDA receptor may cause a build-up of free glutamate, which then activates the AMPA receptors. When surplus glutamate activates the AMPA receptor, it releases a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) chemical. BDNF, in interaction with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), promotes new neural growth. This new growth may reroute the brain from hyperactive areas associated with negative reward signals, thereby providing long-term relief from depression.
How Do You Know If You're Depressed?
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Irritability and restlessness
- Physical symptoms, such as muscle aches, headaches, and stomach problems
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
It’s also important to remember that everyone experiences depression differently. Some people may have only a few symptoms, while others may have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms can also vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s essential to talk to a doctor or mental health professional to determine if you have depression and to receive appropriate treatment.
If left untreated, depression can have severe consequences
If depression goes untreated, it can have severe and potentially long-term consequences. Some of the potential complications of untreated depression can include the following:
Increased risk of self-harm and suicide: Depression is a leading risk factor for self-harm and suicide. If left untreated, depression can increase a person’s risk of engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting or overdosing on medication. In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Physical health problems: Depression can also have adverse effects on physical health. For example, depression has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses. Depression can also cause changes in appetite and sleep patterns, leading to weight gain or loss and difficulty sleeping. These changes can affect a person’s overall health and well-being.
Social isolation: Depression can also lead to social isolation, as people with depression may lose interest in social activities and withdraw from their friends and family. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can worsen the symptoms of depression.
Difficulty with work and school: Depression can also affect a person’s ability to concentrate and make decisions, making it difficult to perform well at work or school. This can lead to problems with job performance, academic achievement, and relationships with coworkers and classmates.
Helping A Loved One Who Is Depressed
The best way to help someone showing signs of depression is to bring it out in the open. Let them know you care and offer to help them find a solution that alleviates their symptoms. Surrounding someone with this condition with support is the best way to help them find the treatment they need.
Now that more is known about depressive disorders, there is no reason to remain idle New treatments make it possible to manage the symptoms of depressive disorders so that everyone has the chance to live life to its fullest potential.
Take the first step in overcoming depression
Ketamine has been shown to be an effective treatment option for those suffering from depression, especially for those who have not found relief with traditional antidepressants.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, consider reaching out to a medical professional to explore ketamine treatment as an option. Don’t wait, take the first step in your journey to recovery today and schedule a consultation to learn more about ketamine treatment for depression in Wildwood, MO.
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