Why Are We So Bad at Treating Depression?
50% of patients feel let down by standard depression care- learn how Clarus Health pairs IV ketamine and SGB to restore joy and connection
*IV Ketamine, NR, and NAD+ have been used clinically off-label for decades. They are not FDA approved for the treatment of any psychiatric or pain condition. All medical treatments carry risks and benefits that you must discuss with a doctor at Clarus Health to learn if these therapies are right for you.
Why Half of Patients Are Unsatisfied with Depression Care
An eye‑opening survey found that 54 % of patients are unhappy with the mental‑health treatment they receive. Women report even lower satisfaction—just 40 % feel their care is on target. The usual explanation is “we need more medications or more funding,” but after guiding thousands of people through IV ketamine sessions, Clarus Health appreciates the deeper truth: most treatment plans focus only on reducing negative symptoms instead of restoring the positive elements that make life worth living.
Dr. Kaveh's Perspective on Treating Depression
Dr. Kaveh, a Stanford- and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, hears patients share what truly matters to them: meaning and connection. Those struggling with depression describe the opposite: emotional numbness, detachment, and an aching sense of emptiness. They don’t just want fewer bad days; they crave joy, purpose, and the ability to engage with loved ones again.
Yet our gold‑standard depression tools—the PHQ‑9 and similar scales—mainly tally how sad, hopeless, or tired someone feels. When new drugs hit the market, success is measured by a lower symptom score, not by gains in optimism, creativity, or belonging.
Negative Valence vs. Positive Valence
Psychologists call sadness, guilt, and suicidal thoughts “negative valence.” These clearly need attention, but patients also need boosts in positive valence—social connection, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ignoring this second half of the healing equation leaves many people feeling better on paper yet still disconnected in real life.
Why Ketamine Changes the Mental Health Game
Treatments that tap into altered states of consciousness—IV ketamine, stellate ganglion block (SGB), guided psychedelic research, deep meditation, even meaningful dreams—often spark rapid improvements in both negative and positive valence. Clinical studies of psilocybin and ketamine note superior gains in connectedness and life meaning compared with traditional antidepressants. At Clarus Health, patients routinely describe “brain fog lifting,” a rush of gratitude, or a sudden clarity about their life’s purpose after an IV ketamine series. When we combine that with the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to calm an over‑revved fight‑or‑flight system, many finally experience the holistic relief they’ve been seeking for years.
What Patients Deserve: Holistic Depression Care
- Treat the whole person, not just the score. Yes, we track symptom reduction, but we also ask about joy, relationships, and motivation.
- Leverage therapies that restore connection. Ketamine and SGB can reboot neural circuits and open space for meaning to return.
- Personalize every plan. From hormones to sleep to trauma history, no two depressions are the same. Tailored labs and lifestyle coaching help address root causes.
Health is more than the absence of disease—it’s the presence of purpose, optimism, and human connection. If current care leaves you feeling numb or unheard, know that other options exist. Schedule a consultation today to see how science‑backed, holistic therapies can help you reclaim both relief and meaning on your journey out of depression.
Anthony Kaveh MD
Dr. Kaveh is a Stanford and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist. He has over 1,000,000 followers on social media and has guided hundreds of patients throughout transformative healing experiences. He is an authority on Ketamine, NAD, SGB, and genomics-guided therapies. He is a continuing medical education lecturer in the Bay Area.
