Is Ketamine the Cure for Refractory Depression?
When traditional treatments for depression fail, where do we turn? It’s easy to feel hopeless when depression impacts your life, or the life of someone you love. Fear not. This is the episode for you.
In this episode of Sick Health with Kevin Ban, MD, we dive deep into one of the most promising frontiers in mental health treatment. Joined by Dr. Ben Yudkoff, Chief Medical Officer at Lumen Health and Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, we explore the fascinating world of ketamine therapy.
Known primarily as an anesthetic, ketamine is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for depression - but how does it work, are there risks, who is it really for, and what exactly is the difference between it and esketamine?
From the molecular level to real patient experiences, we unpack the science and stories behind this transformative therapy.
Starting with the basics, Dr. Yudkoff guides us through the remarkable journey of how ketamine went from the operating room to mental health breakthrough. We explore the intricate brain chemistry that makes this treatment unique, and how it helps create new neural pathways for those stuck in persistent negative thought patterns.
We then tackle the practical aspects - from treatment protocols to insurance coverage, and the critical importance of proper clinical settings. Finally, we address the elephant in the room: the fears and misconceptions about "bad trips" and what really happens during treatment.
There’s no need to be misinformed anymore. After this episode, you’ll understand:
Three NON-CHEMICAL treatments for depression you can consider
How ketamine offers new hope for treatment-resistant depression
The fascinating way ketamine helps rewire negative thought patterns
Why controlled clinical settings are crucial for safe and effective treatment
Navigate insurance coverage and access to ketamine therapy
Understanding what to expect from treatment and maintenance plans
Our conversation isn't just about medication - it's about hope, science, and the future of mental health treatment. Whether you're struggling with depression, know someone who is, or are simply curious about breakthrough treatments in psychiatry, this episode offers valuable perspective on one of today's most promising therapeutic options.
As Dr. Yudkoff shares, "As a provider who has looked after people who have treatment-refractory illness, illness that goes on for years, if not decades, and they come out with this sense of lightness... it's powerfully moving."
