Unipolar Depression Treatment
Seeking unipolar depression treatment? Unipolar depression differs from bipolar depression, particularly when it comes to signs and behaviors. Most notably, while an individual with bipolar depression experiences both cycles of highs (mania) and lows (depressive episodes), those with unipolar depressive disorder experience only the lows without the highs. In this way, unipolar depression is more in line with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder—a mental illness that affects about 20-26% of women and 8-12% of men in the United States.
In most cases, a depressive episode lasts for at least two weeks, and the sufferer experiences symptoms most of the day, or nearly every day, during the episode.
Ketamine Depression Treatment
Many suffering from unipolar depression can become resistant to treatment, and studies show this is the case for about 30% of patients with the disorder. In this situation, they no longer respond to conventional therapies, and many traditional antidepressants and mood stabilizers for unipolar depression stop working. Thankfully, Ketamine Infusion Therapy is proving to be an extremely effective treatment for unipolar depression, bipolar depression, and other mood disorders.
Symptoms of Unipolar Depression
Symptoms may include loss of interest or pleasure, irritability, abnormally depressed mood, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms are not related to a physical illness, side effects of medication, alcohol, or street drugs, and it’s important to note there is no manic or hypomanic episode. The goal of unipolar depression treatment is to reduce or eliminate symptoms, so the sufferer has an elevation in mood and increase in function and productivity.
Is Ketamine Right For Me?
Treatment Options for Unipolar Depression
Antidepressant medications, often prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy, are a common form of treatment. Mood stabilizers for unipolar depression are also common. However, these types of medications are not without their side effects and some can interfere with daily life due to their sedative effects. Common medications and treatment options for unipolar depression include:
- Tricyclic antidepressant (TCAs), such as imipramine and nortriptyline, to improve mood
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Zoloft to improve mood
- Second generation antidepressants, such as Buproprion, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Desyrel, Serzone, and Remeron
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Psychotherapy for support, alone or with medication
- As a last resort, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), usually recommended for treating major depressive disorder
Ketamine Infusion for Depression
Recent findings published in the Neural Regeneration Research journal reveal that ketamine infusion therapy has lasting benefits for patients with depression and it does not increase the risk of addiction. Other studies have found that ketamine therapy “showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms” and lowered suicidal ideations.
Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles provides low-dose Ketamine Infusions for depression, and most patients get relief within one to two days after their third infusion. Patients undergoing ketamine therapy for unipolar depression do not need to worry about the side effects often associated with antidepressants and other medications since ketamine is metabolized fairly quickly and has minimal side effects. In most cases, depressive symptoms are lifted within one week, reducing or eliminating dependence on prescription medications.
Patients who have been unable to get adequate relief from depressive symptoms using conventional therapies and treatments may be ideal candidates for Ketamine Treatment.
Get Treatment for Unipolar Depression Today
If you or a loved one is suffering from unipolar depression, consider the benefits of ketamine therapy to relieve symptoms. Complete your free Depression Assessment or contact Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles to learn more about the benefits of ketamine therapy for mood disorders. Consultations are free and all inquiries are confidential.
OUR LATEST REVIEWS
Lauren – Mother of PTSD and depression patient
I saw my son once again.
Although all the medical treatment Matt has received was valuable in some way, the only time in 16 years I saw the person who is my son once again quietly emerge, was after the ketamine infusions.
Allen – Engineer
My successes have been phenomenal.
I have cut down on my Effexor to 75 Mg per day. I have eliminated lithium from my regiment and haven’t needed ambien for about month now to sleep. My klonopin I’ve reduced to once every other day. The infusions really helped my depression and chronic pain in my neck. My depression has never been better and I am cutting down on my other medications with great success. Thank you, thank you Dr. Mandel!
Katharine – Registered Nurse
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles,
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles and began to research the treatment, I felt my spirits lift. I felt hope. From the moment I called their office, I knew I was in good hands. As someone who works in healthcare, I couldn’t believe how kind and attentive Dr. Mandel and his entire staff were. I know they really care about me. The treatment is the only thing in more than 30 years that has produced such rapid and dramatic improvement in my mood.
Keith – Lawyer
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine at this time because he considers that there is now enough clinical information to make an informed decision about its effectiveness and side effects, and specifically recommended Dr. Mandel, who even with a glowing recommendation from someone for whom I have tremendous respect, vastly exceeded all of my expectations.
Alex – Teacher
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again.
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again. My ability to get out of bed early and or nearly right as I wake up has significantly improved. I’m able to keep up with my incredibly hectic schedule. My overall mood is high and lethargy is low. My social anxiety is at an all time low, and I haven’t had a panic attack since my first infusion.