Depression Treatment in Marietta, GA

Ketamine Therapy For Depression Treatment

Ketamine was previously used mainly as a type of anesthetic during wars as well as in hospitals. Fast forward to 2020, and ketamine therapy is gaining ground as being a promising treatment for depression, which happens to be the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Within the USA, recent estimates show 16 million adults had a bout of major depression in the course of a year. Suicide rates rose at a large scale between 1999 and 2016, increasing by an excess of 30% in 25 states. Due to its rapid action, ketamine is sure to have a big role to play in assisting to minimize the risk of suicide.

How Does Ketamine for Depression Treatment Work?

How ketamine works to help depression is certainly not fully clear yet. Seeing that it exerts an antidepressant effect via a new mechanism, ketamine for depression treatment in Marietta, GA might be able to enable people to successfully manage depression when other treatments still haven’t worked.

Ketamine’s most likely target is NMDA receptors inside of the brain. By connecting to those receptors, ketamine seems to amplify the number of a neurotransmitter by the name of glutamate inside of the empty space in between the neurons.

Glutamate then turns on connections in a different receptor, known as AMPA receptors. Together, the most important blockade of NMDA receptors and activation of the AMPA receptors brings about the discharge of multiple molecules that assist in making sure that the neurons make contact with each other along newly created pathways in the brain. Often known as synaptogenesis, this critical process likely affects a person’s moods, thinking patterns, and cognitive abilities. If you are searching for a new depression treatment in Marietta, GA, contact us and schedule your free consultation today and find out if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you. Call 770-580-1042.

Are You Suffering From Depression?

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that millions of individuals suffer from each year in the United States alone. The national average is somewhere around 7 million US adults each year. It will cause an intense feeling of sadness and likely leads to isolation and withdrawal from a person’s loved one or social life. This disorder will deeply affect how a person thinks and feels, and can bring on additional emotional or physical problems, such as persistent anxiety. A person may find themselves unable to complete everyday tasks, and in some cases may even have suicidal thoughts or ideations.

There is no shame in feeling depressed. Suffering from this condition is not a sign of weakness, and oftentimes will require long-term treatment rather than short term. Fortunately, many respond very positively to the various ways in which modern healthcare can treat depression. Continue reading to learn more about this disorder and any questions you may have.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Some people may only feel depressive symptoms once in their life, but generally depression lasts for multiple episodes. During these intense episodes, symptoms for depression will occur most of each day of a person’s life. These symptoms may include:

  • Persistent feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Frequent bouts of tearfulness
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Angry outbursts
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Changes in appetite (either weight loss or weight gain)
  • Slowed thinking and body movements
  • Fixation on self-blame
  • Suicidal thoughts or ideations
  • Unexplained physical access, such as headaches and backaches

For most suffering from this mental health disorder, symptoms create problems in day-to-day life, whether that is at work, school, or in social relationships. Some people may even feel symptoms come on without knowing what brought them on. Continue reading to see how this condition manifests itself in different age groups.

What Causes Depression?

Depressive disorders are very complex, and the medical community is still unsure about what exactly causes them. The most likely answer, research indicates, is that it is caused by a variety of factors both internal and external, such as differences in biology, differences in brain chemistry, changes in hormones, and genetic history. Continue reading for a deeper dive into these causes.

Differences in Biology

Research shows that people suffering from depression may actually have physical changes within their brains. While the exact significance of these differences is still not known, this may aid research in the future.

Differences in Brain Chemistry

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances within the brain, oftentimes referred to as the body’s “chemical messengers”. Research is still ongoing but indicates that changes to the function and effect of the neurotransmitters in the brain (and how they interact with neurocircuits) may play a role in both the onset of depression and also how it is treated.

Hormone Changes

Hormone changes may come about during pregnancy (or after delivery), or from thyroid problems, menopause, or other conditions yet undiscovered.

Family History

Depression is much more prevalent in those whose blood relatives also suffer from this disorder. Research into what genes are involved is still ongoing.

What Are the Risk Factors of Depression?

While this condition most often begins in teenage years or the 20s and 30s, it can happen to any person at any given time. It is more often diagnosed in women than in men, but it may be that women are more likely to go out and seek treatment than men.

Factors that increase the risk of developing this disorder may include:

  • Personality traits such as low self-esteem or a lack of independence
  • Traumatic events like abuse, the loss of a loved one, or stress from finances
  • Family or personal history of other mental disorders
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Serious illness or chronic aches (such as cancer, strokes, and heart diseases)

What Are the Common Complications of Depression?

Depression usually gets worse the longer it goes without being treated, and it can soon take a toll on a person’s emotional and mental health. Examples of complications from this condition include:

  • Obesity, which may also lead to diabetes or heart disease
  • Physical illness
  • Pain or chronic aches
  • Alcohol or substance abuse
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic disorders
  • Social phobia
  • Work or school problems
  • Relationship troubles with loved ones
  • Social isolation and withdrawal
  • Suicidal ideations or attempts
  • Self-mutilation or self-harm
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How Can I Prevent Depression?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent a person from developing this disorder or becoming depressed. That said, there are some steps everyone can take to reduce the risk.

  • Control Stress Reducing: stress can strengthen your resilience and boost a person’s self-esteem as well.
  • Build a Support Net: Your close family and friends may be of great comfort to you in your times of need.
  • Get Treatment: The sooner a person seeks treatment, the less risk they stand of worsening symptoms

What Different Types of Depression Exist?

Depression manifests itself differently in every person, but can generally be divided into the seven most common forms: clinical depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and atypical depression.

Clinical Depression

Also known as major depressive disorder, this is the standard form of depression. It is characterized by these key features:

  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Changes in sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in weight
  • Depressed mood
  • Feelings of self-hate and guilt
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also known as dysthymia, this is a type of depression that is long-term (or chronic). People suffering from dysthymia may experience periods without feeling depressed, but these typically last for less than two months. Symptoms can include:

  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Feelings in sadness
  • Feelings of self-hate and guilt
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Anger
  • Irritability
  • Low self-esteem
  • Trouble concentrating

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as bipolar depression or manic depression, is a mood disorder that features periods of elevated mood referred to as mania. Most people suffering from Bipolar Disorder can also suffer from intense episodes of major depression between the manic episodes.

Bipolar disorder brings along a litany of physical and mental symptoms, such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Unexplained aches
  • Lack of self-esteem
  • Irritability
  • Indecision
  • Anxiety
  • Disorganization

Postpartum Depression

A type of depression usually brought on by the significant changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or after childbirth. Postpartum depression is more than just the “baby blues,” and should be treated by a mental health professional for best results. Symptoms can include:

  • Feelings of sadness
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble bonding with the baby
  • Social withdrawal
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
  • Suicidal ideations or thoughts

Premenstrual Dysphoric Depression

Related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Bouts of crying
  • Irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Food cravings and binge eating

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Thought to be caused by disturbances in the circadian rhythm of the body, this type of depression may come about with changes in the seasons.

Atypical Depression

Depression that does not follow the typical set of characteristics is often referred to as atypical depression. Unlike classic depression, where symptoms like weight loss, insomnia, and loss of appetite are common, atypical depression presents with alternative symptoms, which may include:

  • Weight gain or increased appetite
  • Excessive eating and sleeping (hypersomnia)
  • Persistent fatigue despite adequate rest
  • Strongly reactive moods, where minor positive or negative events can greatly influence emotions
  • Heightened sensitivity to rejection or criticism, often leading to interpersonal difficulties

This subtype of depression can be challenging to diagnose, but it is treatable with a combination of therapy and medication tailored to these specific symptoms.

    How Does Sleep Affect Depression?

    The complicated relationship between sleeping and depressive conditions is still being explored by medical science. Sleep problems may feed into depressive symptoms or vice versa. Continue reading to learn about a few sleep ailments that tend to appear alongside a depressive illness.

    Insomnia

    Some research indicates that people suffering from insomnia have a ten-fold risk of developing depression as well. Additionally, people with a depressive condition may experience some symptoms of insomnia, such as difficulty getting to sleep, difficulty staying asleep, and sleepiness during the daytime.

    Sleep Apnea

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can also be linked to those with a depressive illness. Since OSA is the most common form of sleeping-disordered breathing, it is speculated that people with depression can be up to five times more likely to develop OSA.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder

    Since this is thought to be brought on by changes in the body’s circadian rhythm, a disrupted sleeping schedule may agitate this type of depression or bring it about entirely.

    Lifestyle Changes That Help With Depression

    Depressive disorders are best treated with the help of your primary health provider, but certain natural lifestyle changes can also be very useful when combined with a treatment like ketamine infusion.

    Treatment Plan: Developing a healthcare plan and sticking to it is essential. Do not skip Ketamine infusion sessions, psychotherapy sessions, or taking your medications. These treatments may take months at a time, and you may still feel depressed at times. Have patience and trust your primary health provider. Recovery can take a long time.

    Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about your depressive illness to learn how to best combat it. Your family and friends should also educate themselves about the nature of your symptoms so they can learn how to understand and help you.

    Watch for Warning Signs: Working with your therapist or healthcare provider may help you learn what triggers your symptoms. You can then formulate a plan so you know what to do next if symptoms spring up.

    Avoid Alcohol and Drug Abuse: While alcohol or drugs may help reduce symptoms, in the long run, they will only worsen your symptoms and make your illness harder to treat.

    Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself: Eat a healthy diet, practice regular physical activity, and try to maintain a consistent sleeping schedule. Even walking, jogging, gardening, swimming, or bicycling can give you enough physical activity to start to lessen your symptoms.

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    Ketamine For Treatment-Resistant Depression

    Have you had a life long struggle with depression? Have other treatment methods and medications failed you? Then ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression may be something to consider.
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