Bipolar depression can be a challenging diagnosis. Patients struggle daily with their symptoms, and some treatments are more effective than others. While some patients do very well on mood stabilizers or other drugs, others don’t find these treatments effective at all. It can leave patients- and their loved one- feeling hopeless.
Luckily, there is help out there for patients with treatment resistant bipolar depression. Ketamine therapy is a promising treatment for these patients, and other therapies can help, too. Read on to learn about care options for treatment resistant bipolar depression.
Why Treatments Fail
Bipolar depression can be difficult to treat. Patients may need different medications, and these can change over time. Patients may also need to use several different treatments at once. Finding the right combination can be frustrating and confusing.
Trying Different Medications
Certain medications are considered a “first line” defense against bipolar depression. These medications will change depending on which stage a person’s bipolar disorder is in. The most common medication used during manic episodes is Lithium, but this is not the best for all patients. Click here to learn about the most common first-line treatments.
When Medications Fail
Some patients do very well on medication, even if the pills they are first prescribed aren’t the best fit for them. Psychiatrists will work closely with patients to find the right combination of drugs for their needs. A mood stabilizer is the most helpful pill for these patients, but other drugs might be used along with this.
Trying Another Approach
If a patient has treatment resistant bipolar depression, then they might want to try an alternative treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly used for these patients. However, ketamine therapy is becoming a popular option, too. Ketamine can help fight treatment resistant bipolar depression without the side effects of pills or EST.
Ready to Learn More About Ketamine Therapy?
Balanced Ketamine is here to answer your questions about this treatment. We understand that ketamine therapy can be intimidating. Our goal is to help patients understand ketamine so that they can decide whether it’s the right choice for them. Explore our website or call our clinic to learn more about ketamine therapy.