Struggling with a mental illness like bipolar disorder can be a debilitating ordeal. Not to mention, figuring out the right combination of treatment options to subdue its symptoms can sometimes feel as mysterious as the disorder itself.
But ketamine therapy is proving to be a bright spot in this fight. In fact, ketamine for bipolar disorder increasingly shows promise in treatment resistant cases and for people who want to avoid the side effects of traditional bipolar disorder treatments, particularly when used in the form of ketamine infusions. Read on to learn more.
Ketamine for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses and is associated with higher rates of suicidality and morbidity. The disorder, whose signature symptoms include extreme shifts in mood from a high energy or manic episode to a low energy or depressed state, can be incredibly destructive to everyday life and also tough to treat with traditional therapies like mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
Ketamine therapy has shown promise for many tough-to-treat cases of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This drug, long used as an anesthetic, works by creating new synaptic connections in the brain.
Planning Your Visit
One of the reasons ketamine for bipolar disorder is such a valuable treatment is because of the speed at which it works to target symptoms. Traditional therapies like antidepressants can take weeks to work, while a first round of ketamine infusions can relieve symptoms within a few hours’ time.
If you decide this type of therapy is right for you, there are a few things you can plan for to make your appointment for ketamine infusions even more beneficial:
Make time for the appointment. Ketamine infusions require time for you to receive the therapy and also recover. The therapy can take anywhere from thirty minutes to a couple of hours, and you’ll need to build in recover time afterward.
Know what to expect. Ketamine infusions are considered to be very safe and most people who undergo them tolerate them well. However, there are a few side effects you should be aware of, including dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and mild dissociation. A medical professional will administer the therapy and monitor you during your visit.
Try to relax. Ketamine for bipolar disorder will likely have you feeling much better, especially after a few sessions. While undergoing a new type of therapy can be daunting, doing things like staying hydrated and eating healthy foods and getting a good night’s rest can help you to feel your best during your visit.
Contact Bluewater Psychiatry
Bluewater Psychiatry is dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments for individuals struggling with bipolar disorder. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, you can effectively manage your condition and improve your overall well-being.