Ketamine Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that occurs in some individuals after childbirth. It's a mood disorder that can affect both women and men, although it's more commonly associated with women.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression typically manifests within the first few weeks after giving birth, but it can develop any time during the first year post-delivery.
The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in severity and may include:
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Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
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Extreme mood swings
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Difficulty bonding with the newborn
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Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
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Fatigue or loss of energy
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Intense irritability or anger
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Withdrawal from loved ones
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
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Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
Traditional Treatments
Treatment of postpartum depression typically involves an antidepressant, in addition to therapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, and support from family and friends.
How Ketamine Therapy Treats Postpartum Depression
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Ketamine treatment for postpartum depression is thought to work by facilitating the growth of new neural pathways, placing the brain in a state of neuroplasticity.
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Neuroplasticity allows for our minds to create thinking patterns and engage in new positive routines that alleviate symptoms of bipolar depression.
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Whereas traditional oral antidepressants typically work on postpartum depression through serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain, ketamine treatment for postpartum depression acts on an entirely different neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate regulates emotions, memory, neuroplasticity, and other cognitive processes. Glutamate also stimulates the growth of new synapses (connections) between brain cells.
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Ketamine treatment for postpartum depression is an innovative and newer treatment that works on postpartum depression.
Why Choose Ketamine Therapy for Postpartum Depression?
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Ketamine treatment for postpartum depression works more rapidly on depressive symptoms than traditional oral antidepressant medications. Speed of recovery from postpartum depression is of utmost importance as the postpartum period is a critical period for the parent to bond with the infant. The sooner that one is able to get symptoms of postpartum depression in remission, the better the longterm outcomes.
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Ketamine therapy may be a treatment option for individuals with postpartum depression who have not benefitted from or not tolerated traditional oral antidepressant medications.
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Ketamine is also an excellent treatment option for people who struggle with thoughts about suicide (a potential symptom of postpartum depression) as it is considered the fastest acting anti-suicidal treatment available.
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Ketamine can work on the core psychological issues related to the postpartum depression, not just the symptoms.
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Ketamine does not have the same potential side effect profile as traditional oral antidepressant medications that often lead to patients discontinuing their medications.
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