WHY DOESN’T MY DOCTOR KNOW ABOUT KETAMINE?
There are several reasons why your doctor may not be knowledgeable about or recommend intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy:
Lack of Familiarity: Ketamine therapy, especially for mood disorders like depression and anxiety, is still relatively new and evolving. Not all doctors are up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options, especially if they have not received specific training or have not encountered it in their practice.
Specialization: Some doctors may not be specialized in psychiatry or mental health, and therefore, they might not be as informed about alternative treatments like IV ketamine, which is often administered in psychiatric or specialized clinics.
Regional Variations: Availability and acceptance of IV ketamine therapy can vary by region. In some areas, it may be more commonly offered and recommended, while in others, it might be less known or available due to differences in healthcare practices and regulations.
Risk Concerns: Some doctors may be cautious about recommending ketamine due to potential side effects of misuse concerns. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, and there can be risks associated with its use, particularly in individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions.
Stigma: There can still be stigma associated with the use of ketamine for mental health treatment. Some doctors and patients may be hesitant to consider it as a valid option due to preconceived notions or concerns about its history of recreational use.
Alternative Treatments: Doctors often have a range of treatment options available to them, and they may prioritize other therapies, such as traditional antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Lack of Clinical Guidelines: While research on ketamine therapy is ongoing, there may not be universally accepted clinical guidelines or standards of care for its use in certain mental health conditions. This can make some doctors cautious about recommending it. At Tidewater Health and Ketamine Center, we follow the consensus guidelines published by the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Anesthesiology.
If you are interested in exploring IV ketamine therapy as a potential treatment option for a mood disorder or another condition, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in this area or seek out a clinic which expertise in ketamine treatments. At Tidewater Health and Ketamine Center, we can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information and help determine if it’s a suitable choice for your specific circumstances.