Advanced Treatment for Depression

Patients that suffer from depression show different neurological patterns on brain scans and imaging, than those who don’t suffer from depression. Structures in the brain that show serotonin levels, as well as synapses, which help brain neurons communicate, are lacking in patients that suffer from depression and are clearly dissimilar than those with non-depressed brains.

People with depression often times cannot get through the day, due to feelings of hopelessness and despondency. Some of the main symptoms of depression are the following:

Symptoms of Depression
• Overwhelming sense of guilt
• Fatigue/Lethargy
• Weight Changes (either loosing or gaining)
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Physical symptoms of pain
• Memory and concentration issues
• Anger
• Reckless/compulsive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Seeking the help from a professional psychiatrist, getting treatment and counseling is imperative. In addition, there are many medications that can control the serotonin and communication levels in the brain like, Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro to name a few, but what about when those treatment options don’t work?  Major changes in the personality of severely depressed patients are at greater risk of committing suicide. Therefore alternatives are absolutely crucial.

What is Ketamine?
Since the late 1960s Ketamine has been used as an FDA-approved anesthetic medication in anesthesiology. To some Ketamine is best known as a party drug when used illegally to garner a hallucinatory effect.

Over the past 10 years, Ketamine has been studied in patients with severe depression. A rapid instantaneous affect takes place immediately upon the drug being dispensed intravenously. When Ketamine is not abused and is administered by a well-trained physician, it can help with symptoms like moodiness, decreased concentration, low self-esteem, impaired sleep, decreased sexual desire, impaired appetite and alleviate suicidal thoughts.

During the treatment the initial infusions usually take place over approximately 2 weeks with 6 infusions being administered every other day. In parts of the brain that control mood and emotions, the ketamine infusion creates new connections in the brain. These new connections help the brain to send positive signals to the psyche, along with beneficial physical conditions to the body. The affect is notable within hours, but most patients report the results are instantaneous. These astonishing changes can be seen on brain scans and imaging. And the results are long lasting.

Ketamine IV therapy impacts both mood and anxiety and can result in positive treatment outcomes for the following disorders:
• Severe or Chronic Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Partum Depression (PPD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida
Dr. Robert Pollack, a Board Certified Psychiatrist has extensive experience in managing his patients that need this therapy. And he consistently sees the benefit of the Ketamine IV treatment in his patients that suffer from depression firsthand.

Ketamine Therapy coordinated by Dr. Pollack is a safe, reliable treatment tailored to each patient’s unique medical profile. They administer the therapy using state-of the-art technology, which allows them to monitor and evaluate each patient’s response and progress meticulously. About Dr. Robert Pollack
Robert W. Pollack, M.D. CEO is a Florida-licensed Board Certified Psychiatrist. He has been in practice since 1977 and has served the public in many capacities.

The American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees, January 1, 2015, has granted him Life Fellow status.

Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is a private solely owned psychiatric medical practice located in Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Pollack is currently the CEO of Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida and resides in Fort Myers. His practice serves people from ages 18 and up. His current special interests focus on the use of Genomics to aid in the determination of the most efficacious way to utilize psychotropic medications as well as the use of rTMS in the treatment of refractory depressions and other psychiatric illnesses.

At PASWFL, appointments are scheduled quickly, within one week of your call. For more information on Ketamine and our practice, please visit our website at www.paswfl.com.

PASWFL
6804 Porto Fino Cir #1, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Office: 239-332-4700 | TMS & Ketamine: 888-491-4171