Bipolar I – defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, usually lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (depression and mania at the same time) are also possible.
Bipolar II – defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic (elevated mood and euphoria) episodes, but not the full-blown episodes that are typical of Disorder I.
Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothmia)-defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years. Even though the symptoms are the same as Bipolar I and II, they are not full-blown depressive or hypomanic episodes.
Sometimes a person may experience symptoms of Bipolar disorder that doesn’t match the three categories described above, which is then referred to as unspecified bipolar. Individuals are usually diagnosed during the teen years or early adulthood. Occasionally, symptoms may appear in children. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth. It usually requires lifelong treatment helping people to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Treatment is generally a combination of oral medications and psychotherapy.
Medications:
Our highly trained staff has the knowledge and experience to give the quality care and relief you deserve.
Virtually all of the antidepressants used for Bipolar work the same way by raising levels of serotonin or one of the other neurotransmitters. Ketamine, however, doesn’t affect serotonin levels.
Relief from the cyclic depression and mania of Bipolar disorders can often be achieved after a single infusion. Ketamine affects the brains right hemisphere, which is associated with increased motivation and anticipation of a pleasurable experience.
Unlike some antidepressants, Ketamine does not trigger episodes of mania in bipolar patients. A common side effect of antidepressants is weight gain, which can trigger further depression and decreased self-esteem. Ketamine infusions do not increase weight or decrease self-esteem.
Research shows that even a single low dose of Ketamine will cause an immediate decrease in OCD with effects lasting up to a week. This can be life-changing with one infusion. Ketamine moderates the effects of glutamate directly by blocking NMDA (neurotransmitter receptors that are located in the post-synaptic membrane of a neuron). Ketamine also has a regenerating effect on synapses within the brain, perhaps reconnecting them in a non-OCD pattern.
Southern Ketamine Clinics
1212 Hendersonville Rd | Suite D | Asheville | NC 28803
828-407-6631
Southern Ketamine Clinics
2768 Georgia Rd | Franklin | NC 28734
828-407-6631
Southern Ketamine Clinics
209 Hospital Drive | Suite 202 | Highlands | NC 28741
828-407-6631