Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States, and it affects men and women of all ages. While traditional talk therapy and medication can help, sometimes it isn’t enough — which is where Boston MindCare, PC, in Lexington, Massachusetts, can help. Anesthesiologists Jason Yee, MD, and Isabel Legarda, MD, provide gentle and effective ketamine treatments to alleviate depression symptoms. Find out if ketamine therapy is right for you by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.

Depression Q & A

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression are unique to each person, though the most common signs are persistent low mood or sadness. Other possible symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling hopeless, pessimistic, or worthless
  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest in your favorite activities
  • Decreased energy
  • Restlessness and trouble concentrating
  • Changes in your appetite or sleep schedule
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Physical pain, like muscle aches, headaches, and stomach cramps

It’s normal to experience feelings of depression during stressful life events, but if the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or interrupt your daily life, it’s best to get help right away.

How is depression diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose depression, your doctor asks a series of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. You can also fill out different questionnaires to rate the severity of your depression, which can be helpful when determining which types of treatment are best for you.

Traditional treatment for depression includes therapy and prescription antidepressant medications. In many cases, this course of treatment can take 2-6 weeks to reduce your symptoms.

However, some people find that their depression is resistant to these methods or they can’t wait that long to see results, which is why Boston MindCare, PC, offers depression treatment with ketamine.

Can ketamine help with depression?

Yes. Ketamine helps with the treatment of chronic and severe depression including depression that is resistant to traditional medication and talk therapy. The team uses prescription ketamine as a fast-acting antidepressant that can relieve symptoms within a matter of hours.

Depending on your symptoms and previous experience with antidepressants, the team works with you to identify the correct ketamine dosage to relieve your symptoms. Once administered, ketamine inhibits the spread of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, in your brain.

With less glutamate influencing your brain cells, your mood stabilizes. In most cases, each session lasts about an hour while your doctors monitor your mood and comfort level. Multiple sessions over the course of two weeks provide the most benefit and can be a life-saving option if you’re experiencing suicidal ideation.

The Boston MindCare, PC, team works with you on an ongoing basis to ensure you receive the support and medical care you need to improve your mood and reduce your depression symptoms.

Find out if ketamine is the solution for your depression by calling Boston MindCare, PC, or scheduling a consultation online now.