Depression is a serious mental health challenge, with about 280 million people worldwide suffering from depression. Too often, those suffering from depression don’t get the help they need. Last year, Colorado ranked 45 out of 51 states (including Washington DC) for adult mental health. The low ranking was due in part to Colorado’s high rates of mental health issues and lack of access to mental health care.
At Colorado Recovery Solutions, we are determined to change that by helping those in Colorado Springs and Monument who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues find the right treatment that will provide long-lasting relief. The most common depression treatment approaches include:
Antidepressant Medication
While antidepressants can effectively treat symptoms of depression, finding the right medication can involve multiple trials and some patience. It can take a few tries to find the right medication that delivers the best relief with the fewest side effects.
Unfortunately, some 35% of people with depression don’t respond well to antidepressants, leaving them still searching for relief. Labeled, treatment-resistant depression, this more stubborn form of depression requires treatments other than antidepressants.
Two of the most promising therapies for treatment-resistant depression are ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). While both ketamine and TMS can be used separately, there is growing consensus that both treatments together provide patients with the best possible pathway to break free from depression, PTSD, or anxiety.
Ketamine
Ketamine has been used since the 1970s as an FDA-approved anesthetic. In recent years, researchers have discovered ketamine’s potential in much smaller doses as an effective, fast-acting treatment for depression, particularly for those who have been unsuccessful in treating their depression with more traditional methods like medication or psychotherapy.
Ketamine works differently in the brain than antidepressant medications by targeting a different component of neurologic processes. While antidepressants take several weeks to produce a noticeable change, ketamine changes neurotransmitter activity shortly after the very first use. Individuals often notice results within a matter of days to weeks, rather than the month-long wait required for most medications to take effect. The dissociative, anesthetic properties of ketamine also make it especially effective in reducing suicidal ideation, making it especially useful in situations where individuals may be a risk to themselves.
One key aspect in the success of ketamine in treating depression is the way it affects brain plasticity – the brain’s ability to change itself. A common factor in individuals suffering from long-term depression is a significant reduction in the areas of the brain associated with feeling good. Ketamine therapy can help the nerves in these areas increase activity after seemingly being dormant in the depressed brain, and quickly result in a fresh perspective change for the individual.
TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a powerful depression treatment that provides relief even in people who have not seen success with other treatment methods. TMS is a non-invasive approach that works by stimulating neurons in parts of the brain with magnetic pulses. Like ketamine, TMS therapy aims for long-term remission of symptoms by strengthening the areas of the brain that are associated with depression.
TMS therapy is administered in about 30 sessions over the course of about 6 weeks to a couple of months, depending on consistency of sessions. This is because it takes time and multiple stimulating sessions for the neurons in the brain to regrow and form new connections (similar to building muscle by working out at the gym). The trade-off here for the time commitment is the promise of long-term remission of symptoms without the necessity of daily medication (though it is usually recommended that patients continue any current medications until further evaluation from a doctor following TMS treatments).
Combination TMS + Ketamine (CTK)
At Colorado Recovery Solutions, we often recommend patients receive both ketamine and TMS treatment together, referred to as Combination TMS + Ketamine (CTK). The combination of both ketamine and TMS therapies has proven to be especially effective. A study on 28 patients conducted in 2020 showed a 100% success (complete remission) rate when using both TMS and ketamine together to treat depression. The reason why the methods work so well together has to do with the way each approach works with the brain’s ability to reshape and grow itself.
Ketamine produces a rapid change and opens a window of neuroplasticity that promotes further growth and adaptation. TMS can take advantage of that neuroplasticity window through its method of stimulating the brain for new growth.
Together, ketamine and TMS therapies are a powerful blend of effective, fast-acting, and long-lasting. By beginning with ketamine treatments, the brain is “primed” for the stimulation that TMS provides. Meanwhile, the TMS treatments will work more effectively on the brain because the neurons it targets are prepared from the effects of ketamine.
Because the combined effect of ketamine and TMS is so powerful, we recommend most patients undergo both treatments in order to get the maximum relief from mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or other conditions.
Why Choose Colorado Recovery Solutions?
It can be overwhelming to experience depression that has not improved after many attempts at getting treatment. Fortunately, as more research continues in the mental health field and we understand more about how our brains function, we are now able to treat depression in ways unthought of even 40 years ago.
At Colorado Recovery Solutions, we specialize in helping patients who have struggled to find adequate relief from depression and anxiety. Our treatments and care are designed to give you the gift of positive, lasting mental health.
With two locations in Colorado Springs and a location in Monument, all just off I-25, we are convenient and accessible throughout the greater Colorado Springs area.
