Bipolar
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Southern California
IV Ketamine therapy is an effective treatment that can help manage bipolar disorder rapidly. Intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy delivers ketamine, an FDA- approved anesthetic, through an IV to improve a patient’s neural activity and neural connectivity. IV ketamine has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated with IV Ketamine Therapy?
IV Ketamine therapy increases neuronal connectivity and repairs neural connections. As synaptic connections are strengthened, our brains are better able to combat depression. Ketamine also appears to work by resetting the way nerve cells process glutamate, a brain chemical key for learning, memory and other functions. In bipolar disorder and depression, the way neurons release and take up glutamate is altered and IV ketamine treatment is able to treat this difference at its source.
One of the main benefits of ketamine treatments for depression is the speed at which it works. It may take traditional antidepressants weeks or even months to treat anhedonia, what prevents many people with bipolar disorder from feeling their best. However, IV ketamine is able to reverse anhedonia rapidly. Most patients treated with IV ketamine feel a significant improvement after the first infusion. This improvement wanes over the subsequent 24-48 hours, but with subsequent IV ketamine infusions, the symptom relief becomes increasingly sustained.
Each ketamine infusion lasts about 40 minutes, after which patients should have someone available to accompany them home safely. During the infusion, patients recline in a treatment chair surrounded by a calm, quiet and experientially safe environment. Ketamine is delivered at a slow and controlled dose and a registered nurse accompanies each patient for the duration of the infusion to monitor blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation. Patients do not experience any respiratory effects during or after the treatment.
IV Ketamine Therapy is well-tolerated. During a ketamine infusion, patients remain aware of their surroundings and experience a deep relaxation. Your clinician may lower the lights, offer an eye mask or aromatherapy, or take other measures to make the setting more comfortable.
Some patients may experience dissociation, perceptual disturbances or nausea. Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation dissipate very quickly after the infusion. However, many patients report that feelings of dissociation experienced during the infusion can help them develop an objective perspective about past experiences.
What is IV Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine has been used safely as an anesthetic on battlefields and in operating rooms for over 50 years. Significant evidence has shown that ketamine, when administered at much lower doses, is also a safe and effective treatment for many chronic physical and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression and bipolar depression.
Neuro Wellness Spa patient, Shannon Hennessey, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of suffering through the symptoms. Now, she’s dedicated her life to mental health education, advocacy and support. We spoke with Shannon about her personal experience with IV ketamine therapy for bipolar disorder at Neuro Wellness Spa, read her story here.
IV ketamine can relieve depressive symptoms within an hour, even in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Research has shown that IV ketamine results in an almost immediate acute antidepressant response in patients who are in the depressed phase of bipolar I and II disorder. This study, along with a growing number of others, is a major finding that demonstrates the effectiveness of IV ketamine for those who have tried standard treatments but haven’t responded adequately.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, including both emotional lows (depression) and highs (mania).
There are different types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar 1 disorder: at least one manic incident that may be followed or preceded by major depressive or hypomanic episodes
- Bipolar 2 disorder: at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode but never a manic episode
- Cyclothymic disorder: at least two years of multiple periods of depressive and hypomanic symptoms never meeting full criteria for major depression or hypomania
Those who suffer with bipolar disorder may be reluctant to seek out treatment. They may enjoy the feelings of euphoria as well as the increased productivity of hypomanic/manic episodes. However, euphoria may lead to impulsivity or risky behaviors which are often followed by a crash that can leave the patient in a depressed state.
Bipolar Statistics
Approximately 2.8% of the United States population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The disorder affects men and women equally. Of the people affected, 83% have been classified as severe cases of bipolar disorder.
If standard medications and nonpharmacological interventions don’t work in a patient with bipolar disorder, IV ketamine therapy may be a treatment option. IV ketamine is known for its ability to help relieve therapy-resistant bipolar disorder. Ketamine is “helpful for patients that have exhausted other therapeutic options,” according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
A person with bipolar disorder may experience a major depressive episode, mania, or hypomania. A major depressive episode would include symptoms that are severe enough to make day-to-day activities noticeably difficult. This can impact one’s social activities, school, work, and relationships.
A depressive episode may include symptoms such as:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleeping too much or insomnia
- Feelings of worthlessness
Mania is more intense than hypomania. And although the two are distinct types of episodes, they have the same symptoms. Like depressive episodes, mania causes noticeable problems in daily activities. Both hypomanic and manic episodes may include increased energy. They may also include:
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsive decision making
- Unusual talkativeness
- Euphoria or irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mania or depression, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. It is important to recognize that bipolar disorder does not get better without treatment.
How Does This Therapy Feel?
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we administer low levels of ketamine in a controlled environment. Ketamine can be used an anesthetic during surgery. However, the dosage we use during to treat mood and chronic pain is much lower. Delivered at a slow and controlled rate, IV ketamine is very safe and well-tolerated. During a ketamine infusion, patients remain aware of their surroundings and experience a deep relaxation. Your clinician may lower the lights, offer an eye mask or aromatherapy, or take other measures to make the setting more comfortable.
Some patients may experience dissociation, perceptual disturbances or nausea. Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation dissipate very quickly after the infusion. However, many patients report that feelings of dissociation experienced during the infusion can help them develop an objective perspective about past experiences.
Contact Neuro Wellness Spa
If you are interested in learning more about IV ketamine therapy for Bipolar Disorder, or would like to speak with one of our experienced psychiatrists, please call us at 1-877-847-3984 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.
For more information about the services we offer or whether IV Ketamine for Bipolar Disorder is covered by your insurance provider, contact us today.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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My Life Started To Turn Around
Within just a couple of weeks of TMS treatment, my life started to turn around. I felt in more control of my emotions and that led to better life decisions & a healthier lifestyle.
John -
Incredible Progress In A Short Amount Of Time
My life has completely changed with ketamine therapy. My therapist even said she had never seen such incredible progress in such a short amount of time.
Shannon -
We Got Our Son Back
After eight weeks of MeRT treatments, our son is now more verbal and much happier. He started communicating with us and making jokes.
MeRT Patient -
A Game Changer
IV nutrition has been a game changer and a great way to start my week. I love how I instantly have more focus, energy and I feel like I can tackle anything.
Amber -
Got The RIGHT Meds
Spent decades on meds that weren’t right for me. Took the genetic test, learned about what would work for me and got the RIGHT meds. Has made such a difference for me.
Jean -
TMS Changed Everything
I was so low on energy and TMS changed everything. Now, I look forward to starting my days. My focus has improved. I appreciate things I couldn’t even notice before.
Rob -
Relieved My Symptoms After A Lifetime of Struggle
I was amazed that Spravato relieved my symptoms after a lifetime of struggle. Today, I’m leading a class in mental health, working in my greenhouse & spending time at the beach with my dog, Oshi.
Robin -
It Gave Me A Bigger Picture
It was interesting to see that according to the genetic test, I’m a fast metabolizer of that particular pain medication. It gave me a bigger picture of how my genes work.
Rachel
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