Ketamine Use For Depression in Adolescents

We wanted to talk about an important topic since we see it so commonly in our clinics: the use of ketamine for depression in adolescents. Ketamine is an anesthetic used in medical settings, but it has also been found to be effective in treating depression, especially in adolescents. Adolescence is a difficult stage of life for many young people, and depression can be particularly difficult to manage during this time. It can have serious long-term impacts on the health and wellbeing of young people, so it’s important that we look for treatments that are effective and safe.

Depression is a serious mental health issue that can have a huge impact on adolescents. Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3.2 million adolescents aged 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode in 2018. That's about 13.3% of the population in that age range! It's important to recognize the signs of adolescent depression so we can help those who are struggling. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight. If you think someone you know is depressed, reach out and offer your support. Ask them how they’re feeling and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed; there are many resources available such as counseling or medication which can be helpful for managing depression symptoms. Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself when trying to support someone with depression. Make sure you set aside some time for yourself each day and don’t be afraid to talk about your own feelings with family or friends if you need support too.

Ketamine has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for depression in adolescents. Studies have shown that it can reduce depressive symptoms within hours, which can provide significant relief for adolescents who are struggling with depression. In addition, studies have also shown that ketamine can be used as a long-term treatment for depression, as opposed to other antidepressants which may only provide short-term relief. However, there are still some risks associated with using ketamine to treat depression in adolescents. For example, ketamine can cause side effects such as drowsiness and confusion which can be particularly problematic when used on young people. It’s also important to note that ketamine should not be used as a first line of treatment for depression – it should only be used after other treatments have been tried unsuccessfully. In conclusion, while there are some risks associated with using ketamine to treat depression in adolescents, the benefits can outweigh the risks when used appropriately under medical supervision. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and other treatments haven’t worked, then speaking to a doctor about trying ketamine may be beneficial.

At StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine in Chicago, Frisco/Dallas, and Miami Beach, we offer intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions to help with depression, anxiety, and a variety of treatment resistant disorders. We are a leading clinic in treating adolescent depression. With a team comprised of physicians board-certified in adult and pediatric anesthesiology, pain medicine, functional medicine, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) with pediatric ICU nursing, we are the most comprehensive team from the nation’s best medical institutions to take care of patients of any age including adolescents and geriatric patients. We work with your mental health provider to ensure safety and effectiveness of our program. If you or someone has a mental health disease that is worsening, or fighting a chronic medical condition, please call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@strivemdwellness.com.

Take care and stay safe.

StrIVeMD Wellness & Ketamine, Chicago, Dallas, Miami Beach