Ketamine for SAD: Battling Seasonal & Major Depression

Ketamine for SAD: Battling Seasonal & Major Depression

As the days become shorter, and we enter the late fall and winter months, seasonal affective disorder can begin to rear its ugly head. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is when you experience depression symptoms during a specific season, but not during the other seasons. While SAD can occur during any season, it’s most commonly experienced in the late fall and winter months.

SAD Symptoms

SAD can include classic depressions symptoms, such as:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Sleep changes: insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in activities
• Decreased energy levels
• Irritable, or feeling “on edge”
• Short temper
• Suicidal thoughts

In addition to these typical depression symptoms, those experiencing SAD also tend to withdraw from social interactions, crave foods that are high in carbohydrates, and gain weight.

Females are four times more likely to experience SAD than males, and those with a history of depression or bipolar disorder are also more likely to develop the condition. The distance you live from the equator—which determines how much sunlight you’re receiving—can play a big role in the development of SAD. For example, people who live in Alaska are more likely to experience SAD symptoms in the winter months than those who live in Florida.

SAD Treatment

The following are various forms of treatment for SAD.

• Light Therapy: This type of treatment emits a bright light (with UV rays filtered out) to help alleviate symptoms. This type of treatment can help increase energy and improve the mood within 1-2 weeks.
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy: The type of treatment can provide cognitive support, and is especially effective when used in conjunction with light therapy.
• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common type of medications used to treat SAD, though they can take several weeks to begin working.

Ketamine for SAD

When traditional treatments for SAD are not effective, this is when ketamine can help. Ketamine works quickly to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal depression, and is effective for up to 70% of patients—even those who have tried other treatment methods to no avail. If you are someone who suffers from depression that becomes more severe during the fall or winter months, then ketamine may be an excellent adjunct therapy to your current routine.

One of the most amazing benefits of ketamine therapy is that results can sometimes be felt within hours of the first infusion. If you or someone you know could use a lift from the darkness of depression, request a free consultation at Tahoe Ketamine today. We can answer your questions and help determine if you are a candidate for ketamine therapy.

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Contact Tahoe Ketamine

Do you want to learn more about what ketamine could do for you or a loved one? Please, contact our Lake Tahoe area ketamine clinic today for more information and to schedule a free consultation. Our highly experienced staff is here to answer any questions you may have, in hopes of reducing your anxiety and depressive symptoms, and to see you get back on the path to a fulfilling life!