Breakthrough & Lifesaving Ketamine Treatment for alleviation/reduction of Suicidal Ideation (SI) in the Eastern Shore – Salisbury, MD.
Ketamine infusion therapy for the reduction of suicidal ideation (SI), is a breakthrough and lifesaving treatment modality that is changing the way mental health conditions are treated. Since SI is closely linked to depression, the traditional approach is to prescribe antidepressants, an option that is non-optimal, as antidepressants might take weeks to months to reach therapeutic levels and have any effects on symptoms, and paradoxically, they can exacerbate suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. Ketamine infusion delivers fast, effective, and safe results, with clients experiencing relief of their symptoms after the first infusion.
Looking for an Alternative Treatment Approach for Suicidal Ideation?
Suicide and suicide ideations/thoughts are closely linked to depressive disorders. However, they also might be the result of other mental conditions and/or life adversities. Ketamine infusion therapy has been showing positive results in reducing acute and chronic SI. Intravenous ketamine is a rapid, safe, and effective treatment approach, that is delivered through a series of sessions (6), followed by maintenance sessions/infusions over weeks or months.
What is Ketamine and how does Ketamine Infusion for Suicidal Ideation Work?
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has been used for over 50 years in many hospitals and clinics during surgical procedures, and/or other procedures that require anesthesia. Ketamine is a noncompetitive glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, with lower affinity for serotonin, dopamine, opioid, and other receptors. Over the last few years, practitioners have noted that when ketamine is administered in sub-anesthetic doses (doses lower than the traditional ones used in operating rooms), patients reported significant improvement in their depression and anxiety symptoms, which led to an improvement in their suicidal ideation. It is believed that ketamine infusion for SI works by altering the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Ketamine has been shown to improve depressive symptoms rapidly and effectively, making it a promising treatment option for suicidal ideation. Researchers involved in a study with ketamine and suicidal ideation reported that patients experienced significant reduction in suicidal thoughts 4 hours post infusion, to up to 72 hours after the first infusion, and after 28 days of follow up, the rates of suicidal ideation remained low, with no reported relapses. They found ketamine to promote remission/reduction of suicidal ideation in about 80% of the participants.
What to Expect During the Infusions/Sessions?
During the infusions/sessions, you will be placed in a quiet, safe, and comfortable room. We will administer ketamine via intravenous (IV) infusion, which is one of the most effective ways of medication administration. Throughout the infusion, you will be monitored by our highly trained medical professionals, to ensure your safety and comfort. The series of infusions are provided over a period of 2-3 weeks/weekends, with each session lasting approximately a total of 60 minutes, which includes the infusion time (40 min) and recovery time (20 min). These six initial sessions are followed by maintenance infusions over the next months, and throughout the year.
Is Ketamine Infusion Covered by Insurance?
Since ketamine infusion for the treatment of mental health conditions is considered “off-label”, it is currently not completely covered by insurance providers. However, there are ways that we can help you to get the most of what your insurance can offer.