Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Depression is a common and debilitating mental health condition that severely alters your mood, energy levels, and ability to think. Depression interferes with everyday activities like eating, sleeping, working, or going to school.

How do I know if I have depression?

You may have depression if you experience some of the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or longer:

• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that normally make you happy
  
• Feeling sad or hopeless
  
• Irritability
  
• Decreased energy
  
• Feeling restless
  
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  
• Changes in weight or appetite
  
• Moving or talking more slowly
  
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  
• Memory problems
  
• Unexplained aches and pains

At its worst, depression can cause thoughts of death or suicide. Ketamine is a breakthrough depression treatment that can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts and ideation.

If you’re thinking about suicide or hurting yourself right now, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.

What depression treatments are available?

Conventional treatments for depression typically include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. However, as many as 30% of people don’t experience adequate relief from depressive symptoms, even after trying multiple medications. Antidepressant medications can also cause side effects that some people can’t tolerate.

If you’ve tried more than two depression treatments without satisfactory results, Dr. Jackson can help. He provides integrative health services, including ketamine therapy, to teens and adults with severe, complex disorders like treatment-resistant depression.

How does ketamine treat depression?

Ketamine has a strong and rapid effect on reducing depression. Whereas medications take two weeks or so to reach a therapeutic level in your body, ketamine takes effect within an hour. Because ketamine quickly leaves your body, side effects are typically mild and brief. 

At the Ketamine Treatment Center, Dr. Jackson offers ketamine infusion therapy and Spravato® nasal spray. He carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Even if other treatments have failed, ketamine can provide fast relief from depression and suicidal thinking. To find out if ketamine therapy for depression is right for you, call the Center for Integrative Psychiatry, or book an appointment online today.