Why Would My Teen Need Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is an effective treatment option for adults with difficult-to-treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. But did you know ketamine infusion therapy can also help teens struggling with the same conditions?

At Klarity Clinic, our ketamine experts understand how difficult life can be for teens in general. When you add mental health issues like depression to the equation, things can quickly spiral out of control. Our team offers ketamine infusion therapy in a safe, controlled environment for teens and adolescents who need more help.

The issues teens face today

Teens and adolescents can develop mental health issues just like adults. Younger age groups are vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and addiction to both drugs and alcohol.

When a teen experiences depressive episodes that started in childhood, it’s likely that their depression symptoms will be recurrent. A growing percentage of teens have treatment-resistant depression that’s difficult to address with traditional antidepressants.

If your child goes untreated for their depression, they may be at increased risk for self-harm or suicide. In fact, suicide in the second leading cause of death among 12- to 17-year-olds.

Additionally, some antidepressants can also increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and reckless behaviors in teens and adolescents.

How ketamine can rapidly relieve depression symptoms in teens

Ketamine is traditionally an anesthetic drug used in surgery to keep people relaxed. In lower doses, ketamine works on the brain to create new neural connections. The prescription drug also increases levels of glutamate, neurotransmitters in the brain that are vital to normal brain function.

Our skilled providers offer ketamine infusion therapy for teens and adolescents who aren’t getting better with antidepressants and psychotherapy. We deliver precise amounts of ketamine into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.

Studies by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) show that ketamine significantly reduced depressive symptoms in teens within 24 hours of the infusion.

Ketamine infusions rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and other depression symptoms in just the first treatment. Typically, a series of six IV ketamine infusions occurs over a two-week period. Our team can determine how many infusions your teen needs to achieve the best outcome.

When to consider ketamine for your teen

If your child is exhibiting depression symptoms, it’s important that you get them to your family doctor right away.

Symptoms of depression in teens can affect their mood and behaviors at home, school, and in social situations. Symptoms can vary in severity and include:

• Isolation
• Persistent crying
• Frequent frustration or anger
• Feelings hopeless or empty
• Self-criticism or needing excess reassurance
• Difficulties remembering, concentrating, and making decisions

Your teen may also sleep too much, experience weight changes, or be unable to keep up with personal hygiene. Some teens may also self-harm by cutting or burning themselves.

Because it can be difficult to determine what issues are typically part of being a teenager and what may relate to depression, be sure to speak with your family physician about any concerns you have. If your child is threatening suicide, call 911, or seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room.

If your child has been using antidepressants and undergoing psychotherapy sessions but hasn’t found relief of depression symptoms, call the Klarity Clinic office near you to schedule an appointment, or book a consultation online today.