Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health: A Breakthrough Treatment

In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for various mental health disorders. At LUMUS, we’re excited to offer this innovative therapy to our patients. Let’s explore how ketamine is transforming mental health care and why it might be the right choice for you or your loved ones.

What is Ketamine and How Does it Work?

Ketamine, originally known for its anesthetic properties, has gained recognition for its rapid and powerful effects in treating mental health conditions. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works on the glutamate system in the brain [1]. This unique mechanism allows for quick and significant improvements in mood and cognitive function, often within hours or days of treatment [2].

The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy

1. Rapid Relief: Ketamine can produce significant reductions in symptoms within hours, compared to weeks or months for traditional antidepressants [2].
2. Effective for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: It shows promise for those who haven’t responded well to other therapies [5].
3. Long-Lasting Effects: While initial effects may be short-lived, ketamine can lead to longer-term changes in brain function and mood regulation [7].
4. Potential for Addiction Treatment: Research suggests ketamine may help reduce cravings in substance use disorders [8].

Intravenous (IV) Ketamine: The Gold Standard

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion is the most effective route of administration for mental health treatment [3]. At LUMUS, we prioritize this method to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Conditions Treated with Ketamine Therapy

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [6]
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Chronic pain conditions*

Safety and Responsible Use

Recent news stories, such as actor Matthew Perry’s experience [4], have highlighted the importance of responsible ketamine use. At LUMUS, patient safety is our top priority. We provide:

• Comprehensive screening and medical history assessment
• Personalized treatment plans
• Continuous monitoring during therapy
• Ongoing support throughout the treatment process

Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, ketamine therapy might be an option worth exploring. Our experienced team at LUMUS is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Ready to take the next step towards better mental health? Contact LUMUS today to schedule a free ketamine screening and learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you on your path to recovery.

Schedule a Free Ketamine Screening Today

Ketamine therapy should always be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a qualified medical professional in a controlled medical setting. Eligibility will be determined by a licensed healthcare professional.

*Please note: We do not administer ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic pain, as this requires significantly higher doses and longer infusion durations (2-3 hours).

References:

1. Aan Het Rot, M., et al. (2012). Ketamine for depression: where do we go from here? Biological Psychiatry, 72(7), 537–547.
2. Berman, R. M., et al. (2000). Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. Biological Psychiatry, 47(4), 351–354.
3. Murrough, J. W., et al. (2013). Antidepressant efficacy of ketamine in treatment-resistant major depression: a two-site randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(10), 1134-1142.
4. Rogan, K. (2022, November 2). Matthew Perry reveals he was in a coma for 2 weeks after his colon burst. CBS News.
5. Beurel, E., et al. (2013). Inflammatory T helper 17 cells promote depression-like behavior in mice. Biological Psychiatry, 73(7), 622–630.
6. Feder, A., et al. (2014). Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 681-688.
7. Duman, R. S., & Aghajanian, G. K. (2012). Synaptic dysfunction in depression: potential therapeutic targets. Science, 338(6103), 68-72.
8. Dakwar, E., et al. (2014). The effects of subanesthetic ketamine infusions on motivation to quit and cue-induced craving in cocaine-dependent research volunteers. Biological Psychiatry, 76(1), 40-46.