Millions of people around the world are affected by depression every year. This serious mental health condition can be debilitating, causing difficulties with work, relationships, and daily activities.
While conventional treatments, including medication and counseling, may help to manage the condition, alternative treatments for depression can be beneficial and provide symptom relief.
What is an Alternative Treatment?
Alternative therapies are treatments that use a different approach than conventional medical practices. They have become increasingly popular recently as people seek new and efficient ways to improve their mental health.
Even though many traditional medical treatments can provide significant relief from ailments, alternative therapies may offer an additional layer of healing by targeting the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic with a variety of possible therapeutic benefits. The FDA initially approved it in the 1960s, and it has recently been designated as a “breakthrough therapy” for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Ketamine works on several levels, including stimulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) for enhanced neuroplasticity and acting as an NMDA receptor antagonist to interact with glutamate receptors in the brain.
Researchers have found that using ketamine can result in increased synaptic connections and growth of neurons that lead to improved cognition and alleviated symptoms of depression.
In addition to being used for mental health issues such as major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, ketamine therapy is also increasingly being used off-label for other neurological conditions such as stroke rehabilitation, bipolar disorder, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits have included reduced dependence on medications, improved dopamine levels, and reduced inflammation in specific brain parts.
SPROVATO® Treatment
SPRAVATO® , also called Esketamine, is an FDA-approved nasal spray that can treat depression as well as suicidal ideation or behavior in people with treatment resistent depression.
While SPRAVATO® is considered an alternative treatment for depression, it has become more mainstream since being FDA cleared and covered by most insurance plans.
During the Spravato treatment process, which lasts approximately two hours, patients self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of mental health professionals and then rest comfortably while vital signs are monitored.
Generally, Spravato is administered twice weekly for four weeks, followed by once weekly for another four weeks, and then transitioned into maintenance treatment which can involve administration once every other week.
As such, this form of Ketamine therapy is an effective treatment in managing clinical depression where conventional treatments have typically failed to help individuals resolve their mental health issues.
TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) relieves symptoms of depression through a form of therapy that uses targeted magnetic pulses.
This therapy has been around since 1985 and has been proven to help with depressive symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, irritability, poor concentration, and insomnia.
It is becoming increasingly popular as it is known to have fewer side effects than many other treatments for depression. While TMS is considered an alternative treatment to depression, it has become more mainstream given its FDA approval and coverage by most insurance plans.
The procedure involves passing a strong magnetic field through a purpose-built coil into an area of the brain involved in mood regulation. The magnetic field stimulates these areas, causing a brief electrical current that helps improve the negative moods associated with depression.
TMS is extremely effective in treating moderate-to-severe cases of depressive disorders and does not require sedation or anesthetic before the treatment session.
Additionally, patients will not experience any long-term side effects after undergoing TMS therapy. This makes it a much safer option for patients worried about potential risks associated with other methods of depression treatment.
How Neurospa Can Help
There are numerous alternative treatments for depression to consider if you’re struggling. At NeuroSpa, we offer all of the above treatments and more, including talk therapy, medication management, and even sleep evaluation.
Combining these new treatment options alongside counseling and conventional treatments can relieve people suffering from severe depression.
If you are suffering from depression, our team at NeuroSpa will craft a customized treatment plan that is right for you. From cutting-edge solutions like Ketamine therapy to more traditional treatments like talk therapy, we will ensure you’re getting the mental health care that you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation with our experienced professionals today to find the best treatment option.
This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.
