Ketamine is gaining popularity as a treatment for both physical and mental health issues as it is safe, effective, and non-invasive. So, if you’re considering ketamine assisted therapy for symptoms you’re living with, you may be wondering, “am I a good candidate?”.

More About Ketamine Assisted Therapies

Ketamine is a medication that has many purposes, but recently, it has gained FDA approval for the treatment of a number of mental health issues and conditions that result in physical pain. It works by stimulating areas of the brain that release mood and nerve-altering chemicals known as neurotransmitters. This can reduce the number of symptoms associated with mood disorders and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

There are two main types of ketamine assisted therapy. The type you consider depends on your needs and the conditions you’re diagnosed with. The two types of ketamine assisted therapies available at Delray Integrative Center for Medicine include:

Esketamine Nasal Spray: Esketamine nasal spray is a nasal inhaler that administrates ketamine through the nasal passageway into the bloodstream. It’s FDA-approved for patients who are prescribed antidepressants and are still experiencing symptoms of depressive disorders. Doses of esketamine are done in the presence of medical professionals to ensure the proper dose and safety of patients.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Ketamine infusions are administered intravenously, a.k.a. via IV. The medication is introduced to the bloodstream slowly and at low doses in order to control the effects of the medication. Patients can expect for this therapy to take place inside a medical environment throughout the duration of the session. And, will need to have someone drive them home after sessions are complete but can otherwise go about daily activities.

What Issues Can Ketamine Help to Address?

There is a wide population that can benefit from ketamine therapies as it helps to address symptoms of a variety of conditions. Conditions and issues that ketamine therapies can help to address include:

• treatment-resistant depression
• treatment-resistant bipolar disorder
• chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia
• anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• migraines

Things That Impact a Person’s Qualification for Ketamine Therapies

Medical and Psychiatric Treatment History: One of the things that you’ll go over with mental health specialists before being deemed qualified for ketamine assisted therapy is your previous treatment history for the conditions you want to address. Ketamine therapies are a great opportunity for people who have used traditional treatments to address symptoms of health conditions with no success. So, if you haven’t yet tried traditional treatments, these may be suggested for you to try first.

Medical History: There are some medical conditions and other aspects of health that can impact whether or not a person is a good candidate for ketamine therapies. These things can include substance use, allergies, heart conditions, blood pressure issues, current medications, pregnancy, and more.

Your Goals for Treatment Outcomes: Another thing that can impact a person’s candidacy for ketamine therapies is your expectations from treatment. So, your health specialist team will go over what your expectation is to better determine if ketamine therapy is right for you personally.

Ketamine Therapies at Delray Center for Integrative Medicine

Do you think that you’re a good candidate for ketamine assisted therapy? Delray Center for Integrative Medicine offers both esketamine and ketamine infusion therapy at our Delray Center location. Find out more about whether or not you’re qualified and what to expect from sessions on our website.