Depression Treatment

Ketamine Infusions for Depression

Ketamine infusions are an exciting new treatment option for depression and other mood disorders. Ketamine started as an FDA-approved anesthetic, but in the last decade has gained popularity as a rapid relief from depression and anxiety when infused at a low dose into the bloodstream. Research shows that up to 80% of patients will find relief when using Ketamine infusions as a treatment for their depression.

Cleveland Medical Institute is proud to offer this innovative new treatment for depression to those in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We offer multiple services and therapies, and our staff is made up of the most qualified anesthesiologists and physicians that can help you find relief.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is different for every person. Some people may only go through one depressive disorder in their life, but most people suffer through at least two. During a depressive episode, you will experience some of the following symptoms for most of the day, on most days:

• Feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Feelings of anxiety
• Feelings of restlessness
• Slowed thinking or movements
• Feelings of guilt or self-esteem issues
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Unexplained physical pains or headaches

Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm

These symptoms usually interfere with every aspect of a person’s life; they may fall behind at work or in school or university. They may find themselves socially withdrawn or isolated. Others may have intense feelings of emptiness or hollowness and not really understand what brought them on. This is why treatment is so essential.

What causes depression?

Depression does not seem to be caused by any single factor, but like other mental health disorders is instead a result of a complicated set of factors such as the following:

Biology –– Research indicates that people suffering from depression may have physical changes within their brains.

Brain Chemistry — Depression is thought to be at least partially caused by neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that directly affect mood.

Hormonal Changes — Pregnancy and menopause are just some of the ways the body’s balance of hormones may be changed. This can affect mood and trigger depression in some cases.

Genetic History — If you have a blood relative who has suffered from depression, you are more likely to develop depression as well. Research is still trying to determine specifically which genes play a part in spreading depression through family members.

What are the risk factors for depression?

Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, but it usually begins in the teens, twenties, or thirties. Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but this could be (at least partially) due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment for mental health disorders.

Factors that research indicates may increase the risk of developing and/or triggering depression include the following:

• Specific aspects of personality, such as low self-esteem or being too self-critical
• Traumatic events like physical or sexual abuse, the loss of a loved one, relationship problems, or financial problems
• A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, or suicidal thoughts and actions
• A personal history of other mental health disorders like anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Chronic illness or a serious condition like cancer, chronic pain, or heart disease

What are the complications of depression?

Depression left without treatment not only becomes a serious burden on you, but may also begin to affect your close friends and family. Common complications brought on by a depressive disorder include the following:

• Obesity or excessive weight gain (which may lead to diabetes or heart disease)
• Chronic pain or another physical illness
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Development of an anxiety or panic disorder
• Personal relationship problems
• Family conflicts
• Falling behind at work or school
• Social withdrawal
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

What treatment options are available for depression?

Depression makes the future seem bleak or completely hopeless. Fortunately, even the worst cases of depression can find relief through the right treatment. Millions of people suffer from depression every year in the United States alone — there is no shame in seeking out treatment. Treatment is essential to managing the symptoms of your depression.

No one treatment for major depressive disorder will work for all those affected. A treatment that works for you might not help at all if given to someone else. The best way to manage your own depression is to become as educated as possible about your condition.

Some people find relief with medication, but antidepressant medication can take weeks at a time before any relief is felt. Medication helps relieve symptoms of depression, but will not work for all patients, either.

Ketamine Infusion is a new treatment option for depression that helps bring relief to up to 80% of patients.

Important Depression Treatment Tips

Learn everything you can about your own depression — Many different things can cause depression, even an underlying medical condition. Identifying what is triggering or contributing to your depression can help you narrow down what treatment is right for you.

Have patience, treatment takes time — For many, depression treatment involves a heavy period of trial and error. Additionally, antidepressant medications may take weeks at a time before relief is felt at all.

Build a social support net — There is no shame in seeking help from family or friends, or seeking out a depression support group. There are others out there suffering like you and others still who want to help. Therapy itself remains a vital treatment for depressive disorders.

What lifestyle changes help depression?

Treatment options are helpful, but there are many changes you can make at home or in your personal life that help in addition to traditional treatment. They include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Regular Exercise — Some research indicates that exercising regularly can be just as effective as an antidepressant when it comes to treating the symptoms of depression. Exercise can boost production of “feel-good” brain chemicals like serotonin, but it also encourages the growth of new brain cells and new connections between brain cells. Even as little as 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help make depression symptoms go away.

Maintain a Health Diet — It is important to eat well-balanced meals throughout your day to stave off mood swings and fatigue. Some people turn to sugar-filled foods for the energy boost they provide, but complex carbohydrates are a better option that avoids the infamous sugar crash.
Practice a Regular Sleep Schedule — Not sleeping enough will only worsen symptoms of irritability or fatigue. Everyone should get somewhere between seven to nine hours of sleep a night to maintain consistent energy levels and moods.

Take Steps to Reduce Stress — It should be no surprise that stress worsens depression and may also trigger it in the first place. Find healthy coping methods to relax or outlets for frustration or stress.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, please seek help at a local depression treatment center in Cleveland, OH, as quickly as possible.