FAQs

Ketamine has traditionally been used as an anesthetic for years. It has recently emerged as a rapid-acting and effective treatment for mood disorders at doses lower than those used in anesthesia.

While the mechanism by which ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects remains controversial, it is likely through the modulation of the glutamate system. This is important as ketamine’s antidepressant effects occur via a different mechanism than traditional antidepressants and can potentially provide benefits to individuals who have failed previous treatments.

At Beyond the Mind Therapy we treat Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Depression. Individuals Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will be considered on a case-by-case basis for potential investigational use of intravenous ketamine.

The long-term efficacies of ketamine in individuals who have responded to this treatment modality are not yet fully known. Emerging evidence indicates that some individuals remain well for several months. Undoubtedly, there will be some individuals who remain well for longer periods of time. It’s also known that other individuals will require booster sessions to maintain their feelings of wellness. The booster sessions are typically administered approximately once per month.

Any individual who has a primary diagnosis is anything other than MDD or BD. As noted above, individual consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis for adults with either PTSD or OCD. Individuals who meet DSM-5 criteria for a substance use and or alcohol use disorder Any individual who has met DSM-5 criteria for a Substance Use Disorder and/or alcohol use disorder in the past 3 months. All individuals who use illicit substances (but do not meet criteria for Substance Use Disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria) must refrain from using substances for a minimum of one month prior to their first infusion at Beyond the Mind Therapy. Individuals who are experiencing psychotic symptoms as part of an MDE (mood congruent/mood incongruent) Individuals with a dementing disorder (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) Individuals who are unable to provide written consent to the treatment Individuals who are unable to adhere to the protocol in its totality (i.e., remain in the clinic post infusion for a minimum of 30 minutes or as advised by the medical team for observation). Individuals who are unable to identify a person to assure their safe transport to home post infusion Individuals with symptomatic traumatic brain injury Uncontrolled medical disorders (i.e., uncontrolled and/or insufficiently treated hypertension, allergies to ketamine and/or previous intolerability of ketamine) Pregnancy Medical contraindications to ketamine (e.g. epilepsy) Patients that are over 275 lbs. Patients who do not adhere to Beyond the Mind Therapy protocol with respect to chaperoning during visit and post-discharge Any individual who exhibits aggressive or intimidating behavior towards Beyond the Mind Therapy staff or other patients will not be eligible for treatment at Beyond the Mind Therapy. Any patient who does not adhere to all pre-procedure recommendations (e.g., food fasting) is not eligible for treatment at Beyond the Mind Therapy. Patients feeling acutely unwell for any reason (e.g. symptoms of infection) and/or have come into direct contact with someone acutely ill from a transmissible infection.

Ketamine is delivered through intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection.

IV Ketamine infusions & intramuscular injections are given over 40 minutes. Post infusion patients will be required to stay up to 30- 40 minutes of recovery time. Patients for pain management will require 60-90 mins for the treatment with a recovery period of 30- 40 mins.

Typically patients who will need to come back for maintenance therapy is every 2-6 weeks

Based on the available evidence, individuals receiving ketamine begin to report relief of depression within one day of administration of the first infusion. Others may take longer but overall the majority of people who are going to benefit from ketamine benefit from 1-2 weeks.

Generally speaking, the dose of ketamine administered through intravenous infusion is 0.5mg/kg to 0.75mg/kg. This dose results in a blood concentration of ketamine of about 10%-20% of what is usually used in anesthesia.

You’ll be asked not to eat or drink during treatment. Fasting is required pre-treatment with the length varying based on the route of administration. For intravenous infusions, patients are required to fast approximately 6-8 hours before the treatment.

No. You’ll need to be accompanied on your way home following the infusion of ketamine treatment.

Drugs that may interfere with ketamine treatments may be determined by your health care team at Beyond the Mind Therapy during assessment.

Staff at Beyond the Mind Therapy will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your psychiatric history, medical history and family history. Moreover, a full list of all previous treatments taken will need to be determined to ensure you have a treatment resistant disorder. Once you have been determined to be eligible for ketamine therapy, an appointment time will be scheduled for you at Beyond the Mind Therapy.

No, the initial assessment will be free.

The age eligibility for ketamine at Beyond the Mind Therapy is 18+ years of age.