KETAMINE'S EFFECT ON DEPRESSION

Ketamine is a medication that has been used as an anesthetic for many years.  However, more recently, it has been found to have rapid and effective antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression.  The exact mechanism by which ketamine helps depression is not fully understood, but research suggests that is works by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly glutamate. 

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s communication system.  Ketamine appears to increase the release of glutamate in certain areas of the brain, which triggers a series of molecular events that lead to the production of new synaptic connections between neurons.  This process is called synaptogenesis, and it is thought to be one of the mechanisms by which ketamine helps to alleviate depression. 

Another possible mechanism by which ketamine helps depression is through its ability to increase the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).  BDNF is a growth factor that is involved in the growth and survival of neurons, and it is known to be reduced in people with depression.  Ketamine has been shown to increase BDNF levels in the brain, which may help to reverse the neural changes that are associated with depression.

Overall, the exact mechanism by which ketamine helps depression is not yet fully understood, but it appears to work by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters and promoting the growth of new synaptic connections and neurons in the brain.  

Learn more about Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy and contact Tidewater Health in Mount Pleasant, SC to schedule a free consultation.