With the help of a psychiatrist in Annapolis, MD we debunk some of the most misleading beliefs about ketamine therapy
Though ketamine is still a relatively new treatment for major depression, the results have proven to be life saving. Many people who have tried unsuccessfully to treat their symptoms with antidepressants and therapy have finally found an effective treatment in ketamine infusions. However, there is still a lot of misleading information and hearsay about ketamine therapy that prevents the drug from being taken seriously as a viable treatment option. We spoke to a psychiatrist in Annapolis, MD and are here to dispel these common misconceptions and get to the truth about what ketamine really is and how it can improve the lives of those struggling with severe mental health issues. It is likely you’ve heard some of the misconceptions before, so let’s get down to the bottom of it and reveal the truth about ketamine therapy.
Because of the negative reputation ketamine has garnered for being a party drug, many assume it has the same addictive qualities as other recreational drugs. However, this is not the case. Ketamine has no evidence of causing physical dependence, especially not when being administered by a licensed professional. In recreational use, there is some evidence showing that there is a risk for psychological dependence, however when abused the dose can be up to 10 times the amount of a psychiatrist prescribed dose. In a clinical setting, there has been no evidence of a patient ever becoming addicted to ketamine. By contacting your local psychiatrist in Annapolis, MD you can learn more about the benefits and side effects of ketamine therapy.
Though we have yet to realize all of the benefits ketamine can have for those with major depression and other severe mood disorders, it is not a “cure” for any of these mental illnesses. Ketamine therapy has not been proven to have any permanent effects either. For patients exploring ketamine therapy as a viable treatment, most will have to undergo several ketamine infusions before symptoms begin to dissipate. Additionally, continued therapy and self care is required to maintain the initial relief from the symptoms of depression that ketamine provides.
Ketamine is a powerful tool that can alter brain chemistry for the better, but it is commonly misunderstood that ketamine administered in a clinical setting poses the risk of a “bad trip.” When used recreationally, a hallucinatory state is likely the desired outcome. When used to treat major mood disorders, ketamine does not cause patients to hallucinate because the dosage is much smaller than what is taken recreationally. While a ketamine infusion is being administered, a patient will feel some changes to their mental state. Most describe the effects of ketamine therapy as being in a trance without any hallucinations. Though there is the risk that patients may experience mild psychedelic effects, when administered and monitored in a medical environment there is nothing to worry about.
Like many of the common misconceptions about ketamine listed above, many assume that ketamine is dangerous because of its reputation as a “street” or “party” drug. This is once again an untrue assumption. Every drug has side effects that patients and providers alike need to make themselves aware of to be responsible and educated about their treatment. What this means for ketamine therapy is that ketamine does not pose any higher risk than other drugs used every day in hospitals or psychiatric care offices. Ketamine therapy requires small doses of the drug administered over a long period of time, minimizing any of the risks for unwanted side effects. Ketamine is also approved to use as an anesthetic and a treatment for major depression, so you know that ketamine therapy is a safe practice.
When ketamine was introduced to the medical field in 1962, it was used as anesthesia for both humans and animals. Over time, this truth has warped into the sensationalized misconception that ketamine is only used as a horse tranquilizer. This couldn’t be any farther from the truth as ketamine has been used in humans and animals since its discovery. Not only that, but ketamine is far from being the only drug that is used in both human and veterinary settings. Species other than humans use many of the same antibiotics, antihistamines and thyroid medication that we do. Though the misconception that ketamine is a “horse tranquilizer” may seem far fetched, it is actually one of the most common misunderstandings about the life saving drug.
If you have further questions or want to fact check things you’ve heard about ketamine therapy, contact your Anapolis, MD psychiatrist. Only a licensed professional who has administered ketamine therapy will be able to give you all of the necessary facts and decide if ketamine therapy is a good treatment option for your needs. That said, don’t let the misconceptions about ketamine prevent you from exploring all of your treatment options. Just because a ketamine has a reputation, doesn’t mean that it isn’t an effective and safe treatment for major depression. If you are in need of additional help managing your mental health or are considering ketamine therapy, you can contact The Psych Associates of Maryland and schedule an appointment with a licensed professional.
Fill in your name and email and we will send you updates when new content is available!
Psych Associates of Maryland provides comprehensive psychiatric services by a group of competent, independent practitioners. We diagnose and treat children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population.
