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Ketamine Infusion Therapy Offers New Hope for Depression in South Florida

According to the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an estimated 1.5 million adults in South Florida have major depression. This represents 14.7% of the adult population in South Florida. The prevalence of major depression is higher in South Florida than the national average of 8.4%.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, a severe mental health condition. South Florida has more people suffering from depression than in most states. There are multiple treatment options for depression, including medication and talk therapy. The combination of antidepressant medication and therapy works for some but not for everyone.

About a third of those diagnosed with major depression develop something called treatment resistant depression. For these individuals, effective treatment is very difficult to find.

The following counties in South Florida have the highest prevalence of major depression:

Broward County: 16.3%

Miami-Dade County: 15.9%

Palm Beach County: 14.3%

Martin County 12.4%

The following factors are associated with an increased risk of major depression in South Florida:

• Age: The likelihood of major depression increases with age.
• Race/ethnicity: The likelihood of major depression is higher among Hispanic and African American adults than among white adults.
• Gender: The likelihood of major depression is higher among women than among men.
• Income: The likelihood of major depression is higher among adults with low income than among adults with high income.
• History of trauma: Adults with a history of trauma are at an increased risk of major depression.
• Substance use disorders: Adults with addictions are at an increased risk of major depression.
• Climate: The climate in South Florida is hot and humid. This climate can make it difficult to sleep and can increase stress levels.
• Cost of living: The cost of living in South Florida is high. This may contribute to the higher prevalence of depression, as financial stress can be a trigger for depression.
• Access to care: Access to mental health care in South Florida can be limited. People who do not have access to care may be less likely to seek treatment.

Ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a powerful treatment option that provides hope for those suffering with treatment resistant depression. Several studies have shown that it can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms.

But how does ketamine work differently than conventional antidepressants? Traditional medications can take weeks to reduce depressive symptoms.

Ketamine works immediately. It essentially helps heal and rewire the brain. The patient starts improving in hours as opposed to weeks.

The use of ketamine for treatment resistant depression can be life-saving for those at risk of completing suicide. Research has shown that ketamine can quickly reduce suicidal ideation, a potential game-changer in acute psychiatric care

The experience of ketamine infusion can be a little different than other treatments. Ketamine can produce a state of detachment from reality. This can include feeling as if you are floating or out of your body, or feeling like your surroundings are unreal. This uncomfortable feeling is part of the healing benefits of ketamine.

Some studies have suggested that this detachment (also referred to as dissociation) may be involved in the antidepressant effects of ketamine. These benefits include:

• It can help people to detach from negative thoughts and emotions.
• It can allow people to see their problems from a different perspective.
• It can promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.

A lot of South Floridians also suffer from trauma and PTSD diagnoses. Ketamine has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety. In some cases, ketamine can provide rapid relief from symptoms of PTSD, even after just one dose.

• A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2018 found that ketamine infusions can help reduce symptoms of PTSD. This was true even for people who had not found relief through other treatments.
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that ketamine infusions were effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
• A study was published in Lancet Psychiatry in 2020. It found that ketamine infusions can reduce symptoms of PTSD in people with substance issues.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have depression, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose depression and recommend treatment options. Treatment for depression can include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Allay Health and Wellness is a team of caring experts who are dedicated to providing help for depression. We understand that depression is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on your life. Our purpose is to provide assistance to you.

Our team of experts includes psychiatrists, therapists, and nurses. We have extensive experience in treating depression and other mental health conditions. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care in a comfortable and supportive environment.

We offer a variety of treatment options for depression, including medication, therapy, and ketamine-assisted therapy. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

We understand that depression can be a difficult condition to manage. We are here to provide you with the support you need to get well. We offer individual and group therapy, as well as support groups for family and friends.

Here are some resources for getting help with depression in South Florida:

• NAMI South Florida: (954) 767-6264
• Florida Mental Health Association (FMHA): (800) 422-0006
• The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

You are not alone. We are here to assist you and want you to know that you are valued and cherished.

Reviewed by Katy Redfield-Marino