Resistant Depression

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Getting Answers for Treatment Resistant Depression

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Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a term most commonly used in clinical psychiatry to describe cases of depressive disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorders, that do not respond adequately to at least two antidepressants. In the last 20 years, research has consistently shown that low doses of ketamine, administered intravenously, can rapidly relieve depressive symptoms in patients whose depression has been otherwise untreatable.

What You Can Expect

Our staff at Northern Michigan Ketamine and Wellness recognize that every patient is unique and that individual responses to ketamine infusions will vary.

Following Treatment

Ketamine infusion treatment at Northern Michigan Ketamine and Wellness will initially consist of six infusions over the course of twelve days. Within this time frame, our team will work with you to monitor the efficacy of the treatment, provide you with support, and collaborate with your primary mental health provider to assist you in meeting your goals.

Patients

Patients:Once you contact us and/or we receive a referral from your primary mental health provider i.e., psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor you will be contacted by our team. You will receive a NMKW initial screening packet to complete and return for our physicians to determine if you are a candidate for ketamine therapy. If so, you will be contacted to schedule your clinical interview and potential infusion date. NMKW offers ketamine infusions in a quiet, spa-like environment with safety and precision provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Wear comfortable clothing as you simply recline in a chair during your treatments. You have the option to rest quietly or listen to soft music. Plan to be here for about 2 hours when you scheduled for an infusion. Infusions take anywhere from 45-60 minutes with a 30 minute after-infusion observance period.

Providers

Our goal at NMKW is to offer adjunct therapy to the treatment you are already providing your patient. We want to collaborate with you to provide ketamine therapy for your patients with treatment resistant depression. Our screening protocols include medical history assessment and depression/addiction screening. As part of this screening process, clarification of past treatments and responses will be obtained. Once clinical appropriateness is determined, ketamine infusion therapy will involve a sub-anesthetic and sub-dissociative dose given slowly, monitored by a board certified anesthesiologist, built around best practices. To initiate treatment for your patient we will need patient contact information as well as pertinent medical records. To refer your patient to NMKW contact us at 989-350-9155.

Here’s some research you might find helpful

Molecular Psychiatry

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

National Institutes of Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, a derivative of phencyclidine, is an anesthetic drug that was developed in 1962 and has been widely used in a variety of settings. Ketamine acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and targets glutamate, which is an excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter. Ketamine has been used to induce and maintain general anesthesia for more than 30years and is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and has a remarkably safe track record in clinical settings. Over the past two decades researchers have consistently found that low doses of ketamine administered intravenously produce a rapid anti-depressant effect.
How does ketamine relieve depression?

Scientists are still exploring the exact mechanism by which depression is relieved but research suggests that by blocking the NMDA receptors ketamine prompts the brain to increase the production of synaptic signaling proteins in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain thought to play a critical role in a person's ability to regulate his/her mood. Ketamine appears to promote the growth of new synapses in the prefrontal cortex resulting in greater connectivity in the brain while also switching certain connections on and off. This cascade of events is thought to be the reason for the rapid anti-depressant effect.
How long does it last?

The duration of symptomatic relief patients experience following ketamine therapy varies greatly.After finishing the first series of infusions we will follow your length of relief. Patients who have return of symptoms may receive maintenance or "tune up" infusions to extend their response. When patients do experience such relief, it may be the first time in years that they have felt healthy and "normal".
Why haven't I heard of this before?

Ketamine is most commonly known as an anesthetic used in surgical procedures. You may know of ketamine as a rave drug used recreationally since the 1980's. The utilization of ketamine to treat depression is not yet FDA-approved, as the approval process can take years due to funding, research and time required.
Is it safe?

When ketamine is administered in a controlled medical setting by a properly trained and licensed clinician using established methods, monitoring, and protocols it is very safe. When used recreationally ketamine use can have very serious adverse effects.
What are the side effects?

Most research shows some possible short-lived side effects including headache, anxiety, dissociation, nausea, and dizziness.

These can be commonly treated on site.
Is it legal?

Yes, this is legal. Ketamine treatment is an intravenous infusion performed in a specially-equipped medical office under the direction of a physician.
Is this treatment covered by insurance?

No, not yet. NMKW accepts payments via money order, cash,or credit card.

Resistant Depression

Here to make your life easier.

Getting Answers for Treatment Resistant Depression

Answers

What You Can Expect

Following Treatment

Patients

Providers

Here’s some research you might find helpful

Molecular Psychiatry

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

National Institutes of Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ketamine?

How does ketamine relieve depression?

How long does it last?

Why haven't I heard of this before?

Is it safe?

What are the side effects?

Is it legal?

Is this treatment covered by insurance?

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