Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is affected by the seasons and is notoriously worsened in the winter months when the days are shorter and cooler. SAD is exacerbated in individuals with depressive or mental issues such as bipolar, PTSD or other anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), Seasonal Affective Disorder is not considered as a separate disorder. It is a type of depression displaying a recurring seasonal pattern.1
Symptoms of Major Depression1
• Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Having low energy
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Having problems with sleep
• Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
• Feeling sluggish or agitated
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of the Winter Pattern of SAD1
• Having low energy
• Hypersomnia
• Overeating
• Weight gain
• Craving for carbohydrates
• Social withdrawal (feel like “hibernating”)
How Ketamine Can Help Treat SAD
Over the past ten years, Ketamine has been studied in patients with severe depression, SAD and PTSD. A rapid instantaneous effect takes place immediately upon the drug being dispensed intravenously. When a well-trained physician administers ketamine, it can help with symptoms like moodiness, chronic pain, decreased concentration, low self-esteem, impaired sleep, decreased sexual desire, diminished appetite and can even alleviate suicidal thoughts.
In parts of the brain that control mood and emotions, ketamine infusion creates new connections in the brain. These new neurological 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. During the treatment, the initial infusions usually take place over approximately two weeks with six infusions that are administered every other day.
The Scientific Research
The standard treatments up to now have been antidepressants, anxiolytics, and behavioral therapy. For up to 50% of patients, these are ineffective in treating their social anxiety adequately. Recently, the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 18 patients diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder using IV Ketamine was published in The Journal of Neuropharmacology. What they found was that people responded to Ketamine. They had significantly less anxiety, which lasted up to 28 days. Patients, who received one IV Ketamine infusion, had less social anxiety, avoidance, and fear when compared to patients who received a placebo. For patients that have not responded to more conventional treatment, IV Ketamine can hold a great deal of promise.
Esketamine
Recently, the FDA has approved a nasal spray known as esketamine. Esketamine is half the molecule of ketamine and offers a minor or lesser version of effects than that of ketamine. Additionally, instead of IV infusion, esketamine is administered via nasal spray. Esketamine is not intended for at home use and is not prescribed or distributed through pharmacies for patient use. It is only available in the office setting, and the patient will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after its use.
In parts of the brain that control mood and emotions, the esketamine and ketamine infusion creates new connections in the brain. These new neurological 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.
Esketamine and Ketamine impact both mood and anxiety and can result in positive treatment outcomes for the following disorders:
• Severe or Chronic Depression
• SAD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Partum Depression (PPD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Produces Rapid Onset of Neural Connections
Esketamine and ketamine have no withdrawal symptoms and no side effects or long-term adverse reactions. Unlike antidepressants that need to be taken at least once daily, the best part about Ketamine and esketamine therapy is that after the initial treatment phase, most patients only need the injection or spray once every 1-6 months. Again, Ketamine being the superior of both therapies in efficacy and lasting results.
Dr. Stephen Reichbach states, “In our opinion, IV Ketamine infusions are the gold standard patients with severe mood disorders. IV ketamine provides 100% bioavailability meaning that 100% of the drug administered, gets where it needs to go (the brain). This provides easier titration and a higher likelihood for a positive response. At the end of the day, the out of pocket cost to the patient may be more than the IV infusions depending on an individual’s insurance coverage, not to mention the time convenience advantage for the patient of the IV ketamine infusions.”
Steven Reichbach, MD, Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, specializes in pain management. For more information, please contact their office today at 941-213-4444, or visit their website at findpainrelief.com.
Gulf Coast Ketamine Center
2415 University Parkway, Building #3,
Suite 215, Sarasota, FL 34243
941-213-4444 | www.findpainrelief.com
Reference:
National Institute of Mental Health, “Seasonal Affective Disorder” 2019, Bethesda, MD,
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml