Let’s flashback to the year 1987 for a moment. Even if you weren’t born, you probably have visions of big hair, rock music, and leg warmers. It was an iconic decade that will always have a special place in pop culture history. The 80s brought us many great things like iconic music, The Walkman, video games, and Prozac.
We know that Prozac probably isn’t at the top of your nostalgic “80s Favorites” list, but it was a monumental discovery that changed psychiatry forever. In 1987 the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) was approved as an antidepressant with fewer than usual side effects. It was an absolute game-changer for those suffering from Major Depression Disorder.
Now, 34 years since Prozac’s debut, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
You read that right…
According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. Moreover, it’s a disorder that does not discriminate against age, race, or sex.
We’re thankful for Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s a drug that’s been able to help countless people break through debilitating symptoms of depression and find relief. But, unfortunately, there are still far too many people who aren’t helped by medications like Prozac.
It’s time to look beyond medications from the 80s and lean into innovative treatments like Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Is there a psychedelic revolution on the horizon that impacts the future of psychiatry? Let’s explore the concept by clearing the air about Ketamine.
Here’s What Ketamine Is (And Isn’t!)
Ketamine isn’t new to the medical field. It was introduced commercially in 1970 with the manufacturer’s description as a “rapidly acting, nonbarbiturate general anesthetic.” Ketamine has been used as a safe and effective alternative to many surgical anesthetics.
The “newness” of Ketamine stems from its ability to provide rapid relief for those who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. It works differently than SSRIs that must build up over time to be effective. Ketamine almost immediately alters the neurotransmitter activity in your brain, providing a state of rapid relief that many patients report.
A common misconception is that Ketamine is a club drug. Many people directly relate it to the street drug “Special K” which can cause harmful effects. It’s worth noting that taking any recreational drug comes with associated risks, but the results can be entirely different when administered safely under the care of a medical professional. We see this in a few other modern treatments and medications.
Ketamine In The 21st Century
Approximately one-third of people don’t find relief from antidepressants and other first-line forms of treatment. That’s where Ketamine comes in! In the 21st century, Ketamine is a well-researched treatment many mental health providers turn to because of its rapid antidepressant properties. Ketamine is a breakthrough treatment that’s been able to fill some of the gaps in mental health.
Currently, Ketamine is the only legal psychedelic we can use in a clinical setting. At New U Therapy, we offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a modern approach to traditional psychotherapy. Our therapy center combines our compassionate and results-driven approach to counseling with the powerful effects of the only legal psychedelic medicine proven to help treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
KAP can help shift the mind calmly with low doses in a monitored setting. The shift in mindset can foster change and healing to take place. During a psychotherapy session, patients can experience a shift in consciousness and an expanded state of awareness. This may translate to improved enjoyment of life, a renewed sense of connections in relationships, and overall positive mood elevation. Other benefits can also include birth in novel ways to view life concerns and freedom from the anxiety deeply rooted in our ordinary mindsets. Ultimately, KAP offers a real-time reflection on this experience to enhance growth and change.
Can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Help Me?
Here are a few things about Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy everyone should know:
- Ketamine can help shift the mind and open new doors while enhancing multiple neuropathways in your brain
- Combining the drug with a psychotherapy session from one of our doctors, patients can experience powerful positive shifts in mood and expect results quickly after treatment
- The treatment is safe, controlled, and easily administered orally
- No long-term side effects or addiction risks
- It helps foster change in the patient’s mindset
- Improves enjoyment of life and connections in patient’s relationships
- The treatment can be customized for each patient based on a multitude of factors
- Treatment can be administered from the comfort of your home via online video counseling
If you or someone you love is looking for a breakthrough, start with our KAP self-assessment today. You don’t have to just push through the motions day after day. There is hope beyond medication! Our team is here to help you start your healing journey. Begin today