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Many people often wonder about the science or explanation behind certain treatments or services they use, and ketamine therapy for mental health concerns is a great recent example. Ketamine treatments, which have skyrocketed in popularity and frequency of use around the country in recent years, have shown benefits to numerous people dealing with various mental health conditions or disorders.
At Nervana Medical, we're proud to offer caring, compassionate ketamine treatments for patients around South Jordan, Sandy and nearby areas. We offer ketamine therapy for depression, anxiety and several other mental health conditions, and we also regularly explain the known science behind these treatments to our patients. Here's a run through some of the most important facets of how ketamine impacts the brain, and how this can show benefits for mental health treatment.
Note: Ketamine therapy is still being researched in several major academic institutions around the world, and more will be discovered about its impact in several areas. What follows is a guide to what's currently known, and is not meant as a full synthesis of the science behind ketamine.
For those just learning about ketamine, it's a medication that's been used for decades in surgical and emergency settings. It has powerful sedative effects when given in large doses, which is why it's often used to help patients deal with pain or traumatic experiences (such as being transported in an ambulance).
In recent years, however, medical professionals have discovered a secondary use for ketamine - its ability to act as a rapid-acting antidepressant. This discovery has led to the growing popularity of ketamine therapy for mental health conditions.
How does ketamine actually work, and how does it impact the brain? Our next several sections will look into this, with particular emphasis on how these effects can be beneficial for mental health treatment.
Within the brain, a substance known as glutamate is responsible for several important functions, including learning and memory formation. However, some people deal with what's believed to be various forms of glutamate dysfunction, and these can often play a role in the formation of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Ketamine, however, helps modulate the activity of glutamate - it helps regulate the amount and strength of signals sent by this substance, which can lead to improved brain function overall. For those dealing with a condition that has been linked to glutamate dysfunction, ketamine therapy may be able to help restore balance in this area.
To get even more specific, ketamine blocks the activity of what are known as NMDA receptors within the brain. These are one type of glutamate receptor, and by blocking them, ketamine helps slow down certain signaling functions that may be negative in cases of mental health disorders.
In addition, this process helps stimulate the growth and development of new neural connections. Over time, this can lead to improvements in brain function and overall well-being for those dealing with mental health conditions.
Another possible factor that research has suggested is the ability of ketamine to increase the brain's production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, abbreviated BDNF. This is a protein that's vital for the growth and survival of brain neurons - by increasing its production, ketamine may be able to support the growth and maintenance of healthy brain cells.
Additionally, low levels of BDNF have been linked to several mental health conditions - by raising these levels, ketamine may be able to provide relief to those affected by such disorders.
One major difference between ketamine and many antidepressants or other mental health treatments is the speed of its results. Many traditional treatments may take weeks or even months to show noticeable improvements, but ketamine can often provide relief within hours after a single treatment session. This rapid-acting feature is one of the main reasons why ketamine has gained so much attention in recent years.
Once again, this traces back to glutamate and NMDA receptors - by blocking these, ketamine helps reduce brain inflammation and improve neural connectivity, leading to fast-acting results for mental health conditions.
The science behind ketamine therapy for mental health treatment is still being researched and understood. However, what's currently known suggests that it can have positive impacts on the brain by modulating glutamate activity, blocking NMDA receptors, and increasing BDNF production. Its rapid-acting nature also makes it an appealing option for those seeking relief from symptoms of depression or anxiety without waiting weeks or months for traditional treatments to take effect.
At Nervana Medical, we aim to continue staying up-to-date on the latest research and developments in ketamine therapy, so we can provide the best care possible for our patients. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help on your journey towards improved mental well-being, whether you're in South Jordan, Sandy or any nearby area.
