Depression Often Coincides With Other Diseases

Illnesses such as Cancer and Endometriosis have long been associated with depression. New research shows colorectal cancer patients who have depression when they are diagnosed are significantly less likely to make a good recovery following surgery than patients without depression. The researchers say the groundbreaking study shows the important role psychiatry plays in cancer recovery and the need to cater to each patient’s individual needs before, during, and long after their treatment has finished.

Similarly, Endometriosis was associated with an elevated likelihood of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Further studies may be required to investigate the underlying pathophysiology between endometriosis and both depression and anxiety disorders.

Recently Dr. Lori Calabrese wrote about destigmatizing the term “Mental Illness.” She referred to the many biological advances that have led us to a new age where illnesses such as Depression, BiPolar Disorders, and others can be viewed as “Brain Diseases” that either stand alone or in conjunction with other medical illnesses.

She mentioned many recent gains and stated that “Now we know more in neuroscience than we’ve ever known before. We have functional MRIs that show unmistakable changes in brain activity in those with specific disorders compared to those who don’t have them.108 genetic DNA markers that are linked to schizophrenia and other illnesses. Certain brain structures have been found that differ in people with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. We’ve found reduced levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), different genetic polymorphisms of key enzymes in the brain that affect how neurotransmitters are metabolized, and higher blood levels of certain inflammatory markers in various psychiatric illnesses. Now, in the 21st century, we have facts.”

Calabrese, Lori,  Web blog post. The Stigmatizing Term: Mentally Ill, February 9, 2017, loricalabresemd.com/Blog. Web. Lori Calabrese MD, LLC and Innovative Psychiatry LLC. 2017

It is well known that the more co-morbidities a person suffers from, the more difficult it is to get better. Given what we now know about depression as a “Brain Disease” and about the biological, as well as situational factors, it is incumbent upon medical care providers to treat the depression alongside the illnesses such as Cancer and Endometriosis. Whether the co-existence of depression with these medical illnesses is cause or effect makes little difference in choosing the proper treatments. As a result of the science referred to by Dr. Calabrese, we can choose the most effective and appropriate method of resolving the depressions from which folks suffer from. Beginning with the use of Genomic testing to determine the proper patient specific anti-depressant therapy we also have at our disposal Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), as well as I.V. Ketamine Infusions. Along with supportive therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and others, there is no reason for a person to suffer from co-morbid depression with medical illnesses.

Translational research in psychiatry directly involves the concept of personalized medicine, which aims to identify the more accurate individual treatment, based on clinical, genetic, genomic and environmental information. In the last decade, progresses in this area have directly involved the validation of new biomarkers with potential clinical relevance. This area has provided a wide range of scientific progress using tools and technologies, which integrate basic research information with clinical practice. These biomarkers target on the measurement of physiological and pathological processes, as well as focus on the prediction of pharmacological response to a particular treatment.

One example of this is the science of Genomics where we investigate the P450 Oxidase Cytochromes of the liver and help match a specific patient with a more appropriate medication. These tests are readily available and enhance clinical response as well as decrease the cost by selecting medications in a more efficient manner. If Genomics is combined with the use of rTMS and/or Ketamine Infusion, the “Brain Disease” of depression can be more than just managed but sufficiently muted to the point that 92.5% of the sufferers can vastly improve.

Over the past ten years, Ketamine has been studied in patients with severe depression. A rapid instantaneous effect takes place immediately upon the drug being dispensed intravenously. When Ketamine is not abused and is administered by a well-trained physician, it can help with symptoms like moodiness, decreased concentration, low self-esteem, impaired sleep, decreased sexual desire, diminished appetite and alleviate suicidal thoughts.

During the treatment, the initial infusions usually take place over approximately two weeks with 6 infusions being administered every other day. In parts of the brain that control mood and emotions, the ketamine infusion creates new connections in the brain. These new connections help the brain to send positive signals to the psyche, along with beneficial physical conditions to the body. The effect is notable within hours, but most patients report the results are instantaneous. These astonishing changes can be seen on brain scans and imaging. And the results are long lasting.

Ketamine IV therapy impacts both mood and anxiety and can result in positive treatment outcomes for the following disorders:
•  Severe or Chronic Depression
•  Bipolar Disorder
•  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
•  Post-Partum Depression (PPD)
•  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida
Dr. Robert Pollack, a Board Certified Psychiatrist, has extensive experience in managing his patients that need this therapy. And he consistently sees the benefit of the Ketamine IV treatment in his patients that suffer from depression firsthand.

Ketamine Therapy coordinated by Dr. Pollack is a safe, reliable treatment tailored to each patient’s unique medical profile. They administer the therapy using state-of-the-art technology, which allows them to monitor and evaluate each patient’s response and progress meticulously.

PASWFL.com
6804 Porto Fino Cir #1, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Office: 239-332-4700 | TMS & Ketamine: 888-491-4171

About Dr. Robert Pollack
Robert W. Pollack, M.D. CEO is a Florida-licensed Board Certified Psychiatrist. He has been in practice since 1977 and has served the public in many capacities.

The American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees, January 1, 2015, has granted him Life Fellow status.

Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is a private solely owned psychiatric medical practice located in Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Pollack is currently the CEO of Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida and resides in Fort Myers. His practice serves people from ages 18 and up. His current special interests focus on the use of Genomics to aid in the determination of the most efficacious way to utilize psychotropic medications as well as the use of rTMS in the treatment of refractory depressions and other psychiatric illnesses.

At PASWFL, appointments are scheduled quickly, within one week of your call. For more information on Ketamine and our practice, please visit our website at www.paswfl.com.