Bipolar disorder has traditionally been a difficult mental health disorder to treat, and finding the right balance of medication and therapy can take some time to figure out.
Over the past decade, however, ketamine treatment for bipolar disorder has shown promise against the symptoms that define this affliction. Ketamine infusion, in particular, often delivers fast and effective relief. Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder and how ketamine infusion therapy can help.
Ketamine Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder has traditionally been treated through therapy and medications like lithium or antipsychotics, but studies show that ketamine treatment for bipolar disorder might also offer a path to relief. The most effective therapy, ketamine infusion, is delivered in a controlled setting under the supervision of a medical professional who administers. Because of the precision of ketamine infusion therapy, the results are fast and last for days. Some patients report relief in as little as a couple of days. Ketamine infusion therapy can also be invaluable when a patient is suffering from suicidal ideation or other dangerous symptoms, treating these issues effectively and quickly in many cases.
Research so far is limited, however anecdotal responses from patients suffering from bipolar disorder reported feeling a noticeable boost to their mood and energy, resulting in a higher quality of life all around.
The Long-Term Outlook
Because of the lack of research around bipolar disorder and ketamine treatment, the long-term effects of the drug efficiency are not yet known in full.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reviewed a small population of patients suffering from unipolar and bipolar depressions who had received ketamine infusion for their mental health symptoms.
The participants received three weekly doses over a 12-day period and were observed during a 9-month follow-up phase. The researchers found that nearly 80% of the patients who were being treated for bipolar and had completed the follow-up phase reported remission. The researchers concluded that ketamine treatment for bipolar disorder may indeed be a viable treatment option for long-term effects, particularly when combined with oral antidepressants.
As interest in ketamine treatment for mental health disorders like bipolar and depression rises, so, too, will research, resulting in a more robust understanding of the drug’s effect on patients in long-term settings.
Getting Started
If you’re suffering from treatment resistant bipolar disorder and think ketamine infusion therapy might be a good option, schedule a consultation today. Our medical professionals can guide you through the steps towards feeling your best self and discuss treatment options, pricing, and side effects in a relaxed and supportive setting.
At Vitalitas Denver, we want to help relieve pain of any kind. Don’t wait for major life events—prioritize your mental well-being today.
