*The FDA has not approved intravenous ketamine or NAD+ for the treatment of any psychiatric or pain condition. These articles reference off-label use. Like all medical treatments, the discussed therapies carry risks and benefits. Speak with a doctor at Clarus Health to learn if these therapies may be right for you.
Will IV Ketamine Work For Your Depression?
Are some patients more likely than others to have success with IV Ketamine? Learn if you may benefit from this powerful therapy.
Depression affects up to 8.3% of Americans and is the largest cause of disability. Unfortunately, 2/3 of patients do not find enough symptom relief from conventional medications and therapy, and even fewer find lasting symptom relief. When they do work, medications traditionally take weeks to months to work and have limited effects on reducing suicidality. Dr. Kaveh will share insights into whether IV Ketamine may be helpful in bringing rapid symptom relief for you.
Do Certain Patients Benefit More from IV Ketamine?
Over the last 10 years several studies have suggested that certain characteristics are associated with better success in reducing depression symptoms with IV Ketamine, including:
- Patients with anhedonia (ie not finding pleasure or interest in previously rewarding activities)
- Higher BMI or body weight
- Family history of alcohol dependence
- Patients with higher baseline language functioning
- Comorbid ADHD (at least in adolescents)
- Lower adiponectin levels (adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory "cytokine" released by fat cells)
- Normal vitamin B12 levels
- No history of suicide attempts
- Cognitive impairment prior to starting treatment
- Delta sleep ratio while sleeping (rarely measured clinically)
- Higher depression severity and number of failed treatments
- Certain electrical brain patterns (right caudate)
- Lower left hippocampal volume
- Higher anterior cingulate cortex activation (to fear) and lower baseline amygdala activation
However, many studies have also countered these findings, especially around higher BMI being associated with success.
The Science: Most Patients Are Equally Likely to Benefit from IV Ketamine
Despite preliminary findings of predictors of success to IV Ketamine therapy, there are few definitive conclusions. What can improve the likelihood of success from IV Ketamine include:
- Trust in the doctor and healing environment
- Following up with your doctor after the first, second, and third sessions to discuss progress
- Reducing anxiety during the treatment sessions
- Preparation before starting to understand the role of cognitive flexibility and neuroplasticity
Is IV Ketamine Right for You to Relieve Depression?
You deserve to learn your treatment options for safe and rapid results. You should always speak with your doctors to learn about the risks and benefits of IV Ketamine therapy so you can make an informed decision. Learn more about the right therapy for your depression by contacting Clarus Health today.
Anthony Kaveh MD
Dr. Kaveh is a Stanford and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist. He has over 800,000 followers on social media and has guided hundreds of patients throughout transformative healing experiences. He is an authority on Ketamine, NAD, and SGB therapies. He is a registered continuing education lecturer in the Bay Area.
