Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is seasonal. This means that it comes and goes with the seasons. For some people, SAD begins in the fall and lasts through winter. For others, it starts in the winter and lasts through the spring. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, social withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are some options that may help. One such option is ketamine therapy.
It is estimated that SAD affects about 5% of the population in the United States. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, low energy, cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. If you suffer from SAD, you may be wondering if there is anything that can be done to ease your symptoms. Ketamine infusions have shown promise in treating depression, so you may be wondering if they can help with SAD as well.
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for anesthesia for many years. In recent years, it has also been studied for its potential to treat depression. Ketamine works by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is involved in neuronal plasticity, which is how the brain changes in response to experience. By increasing levels of glutamate, ketamine may help the brain to make new connections and ease symptoms of depression.
A few small studies have looked at whether ketamine can help with SAD specifically. One study found that a single ketamine infusion improved symptoms of SAD within 24 hours, and these effects lasted for up to two weeks. Another study found that ketamine was more effective than an antidepressant medication in treating SAD. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
If you are looking for treatments for seasonal affective disorder, you are not alone. Many people experience similar symptoms during the fall and winter months. If you are looking for ways to ease your symptoms, you may be wondering if ketamine for depression works. A few small studies have found that ketamine may be effective in treating SAD, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you are considering ketamine infusions for your SAD, contact Bluewater Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment.