Who Is Eligible for Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a new short or long-term treatment option for mental health conditions. Initially, Ketamine was a beneficial option as an animal anesthetic. Presently, studies are proving the effectiveness of using Ketamine to treat mental health conditions, but who is eligible for ketamine therapy?

Reports finding Ketamine to be increasingly effective in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD when other drugs have not been successful are happening regularly. However, the side effects and habit-forming properties are dangerous, so physicians must monitor their patients closely.

Ketamine Therapy Overview

The FDA claims that Ketamine therapy for mental health conditions is not an approved method of treatment. Therefore, many insurance carriers may not cover ketamine therapy. Physicians may implement Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression as an innovative new therapy option. Presently, some guidelines exist for physicians to determine who is eligible or not eligible for this controversial treatment option. 

Ketamine therapy includes various administration processes, including:

• Intravenous and intramuscular injections
• Sublingual tablets
• Intranasal sprays (Spravato)

However, as WebMD reports, in 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray, esketamine, with the brand name Spravato. This spray, a derivative of Ketamine, is beneficial in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. This approach must be under strict medical supervision. Still, in some cases, it has proven very effective when antidepressants are not effective or with suicidal patients who are eligible for ketamine therapy.

Ketamine Infusion Treatment

Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering a single infusion or a series of infusions to manage treatment-resistant mental health conditions. According to a study through the University of Arkansas, Ketamine is successful in treating depression, PTSD, and acute suicidality.

Ketamine infusion may target NMDA receptors in the brain to increase glutamate production. Brain chemistry modification affects mood, thought patterns, and cognitive ability. Another factor that Ketamine may affect is inflammation, which connects to mood disorders. 

Ketamine Therapy Requirements 

Ketamine therapy requirements depend on previous treatment attempts that prove traditional therapy options ineffective. Another treatment option, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), can attempt to achieve success in the management of severe depression and other mental health conditions. This form of therapy applies magnetic pulses to stimulate brain function to manage mental health conditions. While innovative treatments are exciting and could produce successful results, maintaining safety for the patient is the optimal challenge. 

To be a good candidate for ketamine therapy, individuals must be clear of any physical health conditions that may be adversely affected by Ketamine. Previous attempts with cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and TMS must be proven to be ineffective treatments.

Ketamine therapy is also expensive, and there must be financial means to cover the costs, as insurance may not cover this treatment. In determining who is eligible for ketamine therapy and who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy, strict guidelines apply.

The following individuals may not be able to qualify for Ketamine IV therapy:

• Patients not diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or Bipolar 1 or 2, although after review, those with PTSD or OCD may be eligible for treatment
• Those diagnosed with psychosis
• Individuals experiencing neurocognitive dysfunction, including dementia
• Patients with traumatic brain injury
• Individuals who do not have a diagnosis of a substance use disorder
• People with high blood pressure or who are pregnant
• People unable to give written consent for the treatment
• Those who are allergic to Ketamine

How to Prep for Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy’s requirements are standard, beginning with a professional assessment and evaluation. The evaluation process collects personal data from the patient, including medical history, present medical condition, and previous treatments.

It is imperative for successful outcomes to determine who should not take ketamine through this initial component of therapy. Each patient must understand all the ramifications of Ketamine therapy before signing for consent to treatment. 

What To Expect

Creating calm and clinical environments to ensure the patient understands the protocols for treatment is paramount to the process. The staff explains how the process works to allow the patient to feel safe and secure. Ketamine infusion initiates a state of detachment, allowing patients to view their thoughts and feelings in a new way.

This form of therapy can lead to significant insights concerning their mental health. Physical sensations, such as tingling and a sense of lightness, may occur. Patients undergoing Ketamine infusion receive constant supervision to maintain safety. 

Ketamine Effects on Depression

A professional diagnosis is vital to determining who is eligible for ketamine therapy. What disqualifies someone from ketamine therapy could be the mental health diagnosis the provider renders. Treatment effectiveness manifests rather quickly with reports of mood improvement and reduction of depressive symptoms.

Additionally, people report a sense of peace and contentment from negative thought patterns. These initial treatment benefits can lead to a deeper impact through further treatments. 

Ketamine Therapy Costs

Ketamine therapy costs vary with the geographic location of treatment, the number of infusions the patient requires, the facility, and the provider. Costs are typically between $400 and $1300 a session.

It is essential to consider that insurance may not cover this form of therapy. Some centers offer discounts depending on the form of payment. 

Access Our Innovative Ketamine Therapy

It can be devastating to an individual’s life when treatments fail, and options seem limited. Healthy Minds in Tennessee offers innovative treatment plans for those experiencing treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Find new energy and hope for successful treatment through an assessment and evaluation to determine your eligibility.

Contact the center today to change your life.