With all the additional stresses facing teenagers today, it’s no wonder depression is becoming increasingly common among high school and middle school students
Between traditional worries such as school work and peer pressure and newer concerns such as political instability and uncertain job prospects, it’s enough to weigh heavily on any teen. Teenage depression, though, is too often undiagnosed, particularly among boys. Identifying symptoms of depression and seeking help is essential. In addition to traditional approaches like therapy and medication, ketamine treatment has been shown to be a safe and effective option for teenagers suffering from mental health issues.
Teenage Depression is Real
Depression has a real and significant effect on millions of teenagers. According to studies, about 15 percent of Americans aged 12 to 17 have suffered from a major depressive episode, while more than a third reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Despite these high numbers, many instances of teenage depression go underreported, and this is especially the case among boys.
In recent years, the amount of girls seeking help for depression has risen, while the number of boys getting treatment has gone in the opposite direction. Experts believe that this discrepancy may be due to several factors. Because boys, unlike girls, often show signs of aggressiveness and anger when suffering from depression, they are often not diagnosed with a mental health issue but dismissed as merely “irritable”. Also, there is often a stigma among teenage boys about addressing mental health, which leads them to not seek the help that they need.
Ketamine Treatment and Teenage Depression
Ketamine treatment has long been an effective option for adults seeking help for depression or other mental health issues, but it can also be a great tool for teens. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, ketamine treatment can be a safe and effective treatment for teenage depression, particularly for patients who have been resistant to other therapeutic options. As Jennifer Dwyer, the lead study author, put it, “treatment-resistant depression is debilitating for anyone, but it can be especially damaging during the teenage years.” Luckily, ketamine therapy can help. During the treatment, ketamine is administered intravenously under professional medical supervision. The treatment is safe and non-addictive and is effective in up to 70 percent of patients.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
If you have questions about ketamine treatment for teenage depression, do not hesitate to contact the experienced professionals at Vitalitas Denver. Fill out the form below and start putting your mental health first!
