HOUSTON – Depression can seem like a never-ending downward spiral.
More and more research is being done right here in Houston at the Menninger Clinic on ketamine, a general anesthetic, as a treatment for depression and potentially other psychiatric conditions.
“I had anxiety starting in about third grade, but this was way different,” said Adelaide Blandford who added that the mounting anxiety she experienced after the birth of her son got so bad that it left her feeling overwhelmed and sad. “I’d be sitting on the couch, and I’d look at my phone, and I just didn’t have the energy to pick it up. Like, I didn’t care anymore. I just felt lost, like I didn’t want to live anymore.”
Medication and therapy weren’t enough.
“I knew depression was a real thing. I know anxiety is a real thing. I grew up in a family that definitely acknowledged it,” Blandford said.
After spending two weeks as a patient in the Menninger Clinic in Houston and a thorough evaluation, her psychiatrist recommended she continue her treatment at the clinic with ketamine therapy, as part of an outpatient program.
“Clinical depression is one of the leading causes of disabilities in the world. If you’ve had a loved one or known someone who struggled with depression, it can be a very debilitating disease. Standard treatments can often take months to work. That’s a long time to suffer from an illness. Ketamine offers a chance for rapid symptomatic relief,” said Dr. Neil Puri, Director of Outpatient Services at the Menninger Clinic.
Low doses of the drug are administered very slowly through an I.V. or by a nasal spray.
“It works on the neurotransmitter glutamate in our brain, very uniquely. That’s how it helps alleviate depression differently than other options,” Dr. Puri said, adding that some patients may feel better after just one treatment while others may need a series of them.
“When my depression was really, really bad, at first, it was the best 45 minutes of my week. It took about two sessions for me to start seeing the results of it and start seeing positive effects from it. I started to want to do stuff. I was excited to have people over, converse with them, and eat dinner. Food started to sound better. Just normal life didn’t seem as overwhelming,” Blandford said.
While Ketamine is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for psychiatric conditions, including depression, Dr. Puri said it is safe. Though it may not be for everyone, he advises people who think it might help them, to do their homework first.
“I really encourage people to pick places that have mental health expertise and that have a history of doing these treatments so that you know that you’re getting the proper evaluation and guidance for your treatment course. Keep in mind that we’re not just here for your ketamine, but we’re here for your wellness,” Dr. Puri said.
He also added that people with certain underlying health conditions, such as heart or cardiovascular issues, may not be the ideal candidates for ketamine as a treatment for their depression.