A Comprehensive Guide to Depression Treatments in White Plains

Depression is a complex and pervasive mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. Finding the right treatment can be challenging, but at Aurora Wellness Clinic in White Plains, we’re dedicated to finding solutions that work. In this article, we’ll explore different approaches to treating depression, including innovative therapies like ketamine and therapy provided by our clinic.

Understanding Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, with the World Health Organization estimating that five percent of the global population will suffer from depression at least once in their lifetime. In the U.S. alone, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 21 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020. 

During a depressive episode, individuals experience a persistently low or irritable mood, often accompanied by feelings of sadness or emptiness. They may lose interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Depressive episodes last most of the day and nearly every day for at least two weeks.

The Challenge with Standard Treatments

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), are typically the first line of defense against depression. These medications are designed to alleviate depressive symptoms by balancing levels of serotonin–a chemical messenger implicated in mood. 

However, antidepressants don’t work for everyone, and around 30% of people with depression experience little to no relief from these drugs, according to research. Furthermore, the onset of action can take a long time, and side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction often discourage people from using these drugs.

Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for depression, especially for those who haven’t responded to traditional methods. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained attention in psychiatry for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Unlike conventional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin, ketamine acts on the glutamate system, a critical neurotransmitter involved in neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt. In depression, this mechanism helps “re-wire” dysfunctional nerve circuits associated with depressive symptoms, as well as restoring damage to the brain caused by chronic stress. 

Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including:

• Intravenous (IV) Infusion: The most common method which involves delivering ketamine directly into the bloodstream for precise dosing and rapid effects.

• Intramuscular (IM) Injection: Injected into a muscle, offering a quicker option compared to IV, though less commonly used.

• Oral Tablets or Lozenges: Taken sublingually or swallowed. The absorption is lower than that of injection methods but is less invasive and more convenient. As such, this method is often used in at-home settings.

Benefits of Ketamine Therapy

• Rapid Relief: Many patients report a significant reduction in depressive symptoms within hours or days of receiving ketamine, compared to the weeks required for traditional medications.

• Long-lasting Effects: While ketamine is not a permanent cure, the benefits can last for weeks following a single treatment. Unlike antidepressants, which are used every day, ketamine is typically administered twice a week for the first two to four weeks, with spaced-out maintenance doses thereafter. 

• Effective for Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine is particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts, offering hope for individuals in crisis.

Unlike antidepressants, ketamine can have a notable psychoactive effect while people are on the drug. Ketamine is a dissociative, meaning it can make people feel disconnected from their bodies and normal sense of reality. 

Though this can be enjoyable, dissociation can also be disorientating and unpleasant. Carefully controlled clinical settings with support from experienced clinicians can help reduce this negative psychological outcome. The pleasurable aspects of dissociation also give rise to an addictive potential. 

Other side effects associated with ketamine include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, and occasionally hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t real). 

Spravato

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, which is one of the two chemical compounds that make up ketamine. Spravato is a nasal spray formulation of this compound, developed specifically for the treatment of severe depression.

Compared to ketamine, esketamine is more selective at interacting with NMDA receptors, the main protein responsible for ketamine’s effects. This means lower doses can be used, decreasing the risk of side effects, which are the same as ketamine in its generic form. In addition, the nasal spray delivery method is more accessible for patients as it doesn’t require the use of needles or a complex clinical setup. 

Spravato is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specifically for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDSI), and so can only be accessed by patients with a formal diagnosis for either of these conditions. 

The Benefits of Spravato

• FDA Approval: Spravato’s approval ensures a high standard of safety and efficacy. Healthcare practitioners are required to administer the drug following a stringent protocol. 

• Lower side effect profile compared to ketamine: Studies show patients generally experience less notable side effects with Spravato treatment compared to generic ketamine. 

• Covered by Insurance: Unlike generic ketamine, Spravato's costs are covered by most major insurance companies, making it a financially accessible treatment option. 

At Aurora  Wellness, we’re certified providers of Spravato and offer excellent standards of care to those struggling with severe depression. 

Medication Management

Medication management plays a critical role in ensuring the success of any pharmacological treatment plan. At Aurora Wellness Clinic, we offer tailored medication management services to optimize outcomes for each patient.

What Is Medication Management?

Medication management involves ongoing monitoring, adjustment, and support to ensure that patients are receiving the most effective medications at the correct dosages. It also includes managing side effects, identifying drug interactions, and making informed decisions about when to start, stop, or switch medications.

Why Is It Important?

• Personalized Care: Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and neither is its treatment. Medication management ensures that care is individualized based on each patient’s response.

• Improved Adherence: By addressing concerns like side effects and efficacy, patients are more likely to stick with their treatment plan.

At Aurora Wellness, our team of experts specializes in fine-tuning treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual. We also offer this service remotely, meaning you can take appointments in the comfort and convenience of your own home. 

Talk Therapy

While medications and innovative therapies play a crucial role in treating depression, talk therapy remains an indispensable component of long-term recovery. Various evidence-based psychotherapies have been proven to alleviate depressive symptoms and equip individuals with coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

Types of Talk Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Incorporates mindfulness techniques to manage emotional distress.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses relationship dynamics that may contribute to depression.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences influencing current feelings.

Talk Therapy and Medication: A Powerful Combination

Combining talk therapy with medications like antidepressants or ketamine yields better outcomes than either treatment alone. Therapy helps patients address the root causes of their depression, develop healthier habits, and build resilience to help cope with difficult events.

Although Aurora Wellness Clinic does not currently offer in-house talk therapy, our team is committed to providing guidance on finding the right therapist. We’ll help you explore options and recommend therapies that align with your needs and goals.

Why Choose Aurora Wellness Clinic in White Plains?

Aurora Wellness Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals battling depression. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments available. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.