/assets/production/practices/e3d8716fd084b76057615321dc23d55e5e5445d0/images/2678535.png)
Many people with depression or major life stressors experience suicidal ideation that disrupts their lives and makes them feel frightened and unsafe. At Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio, our experienced team of psychiatric care specialists provides compassionate and uplifting care for patients struggling with suicidal ideation. Ketamine infusions can provide near-instant improvement, setting you free from painful thoughts and giving you hope again. Call the Dublin, Ohio, office or book an appointment using online scheduling now.
Suicidal Ideation Q & A
What is suicidal ideation?
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts or ideas centered around suicide. It may involve planning of suicide as well.
People with depression may experience suicidal ideation when their negative emotions become so overwhelming that they feel it’s the only option left. However, there are treatments that can set you free from those damaging thoughts.
What is the best treatment for suicidal ideation?
The initial treatment for people struggling with depression is usually psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. But antidepressants don’t typically start working for at least a couple of weeks. And, many people need to try several antidepressants to find the right fit. As with antidepressants, psychotherapy takes time.
When you’re struggling with acute suicidal ideation, you need results fast. At Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio, the team truly cares about their patients and wants them to find peace and healing as quickly as possible, so they offer an innovative treatment called ketamine infusions.
Ketamine was introduced commercially in 1970 as a surgical anesthetic. More recently, ketamine is increasingly being used as a rapid-acting treatment for chronic treatment-resistant depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health disorders.
Intravenous ketamine shows very positive results for people with treatment-resistant depression and people who are in a crisis state with suicidal ideation. It also has a lower risk of side effects than other treatments.
How does ketamine decrease suicidal ideation?
Theories about exactly how ketamine has such beneficial effects are still evolving. Experts currently believe that ketamine increases beneficial brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like glutamate and GABA, both of which are important for mood. Ketamine acts on a wider range of neurotransmitters than antidepressants.
In addition, ketamine can help regenerate damaged brain neurons, which restores the areas of the brain damaged in people with depression.
How soon does ketamine work for suicidal ideation?
Ketamine often works in the first treatment session or within hours. Other patients may need the full 6-infusion induction series of ketamine to feel relief.
Ketamine can reduce depression and suicidal ideation dramatically, and recent studies show that most patients taking intravenous (IV) ketamine achieved relief from suicidal ideation in three days or less.
The effects of ketamine for suicidal ideation can be long lasting, and there are other patients who require boosters. Our team consists of mental health professionals who will work with you and your other providers for the best ongoing care possible.
Ketamine treatments are constantly monitored using state-of-the-art noninvasive vital sign monitoring, and the Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio team is there to support you throughout the treatment process. Book your appointment online or call the office for help today.