Ketamine

Fast & Effective Depression Treatment in Redmond, OR

Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization [1]. At its worst, depression can derail every aspect of life—personally, socially, and professionally. At Cascade Mind & Body Clinic, we’re committed to helping our clients find peace of mind and renewed purpose.

If you've tried other treatments and therapies with little or no relief, you may be a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy—a powerful new option for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

Why Ketamine?

Recent clinical studies have shown that ketamine is a fast-acting and highly effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), especially in individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. Over 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression report a positive response to ketamine therapy [2][3].

Many patients experience improvement after just one infusion, making ketamine one of the most promising breakthroughs in psychiatry in recent decades.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Common signs of depression include:

Persistent sadness or a sense of hopelessness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Withdrawal from friends and family
Neglect of personal hygiene or household responsibilities
Emotional numbness or irritability

If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone—and effective help is available.

How Ketamine Works

Unlike traditional antidepressants that work primarily by increasing serotonin, ketamine works by rapidly enhancing the activity of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation [4]. It also promotes synaptogenesis, the formation of new neural connections in the brain.

This process is believed to be responsible for the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, which can occur within hours instead of the weeks or months typically needed for standard medications [5].

Is Ketamine Safe?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic and is used off-label for mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. Off-label use is legal and widely practiced when supported by sound clinical research and patient safety data.

A good example of off-label use is Prazosin, originally approved for high blood pressure but now a first-line treatment for PTSD-related nightmares [6].

Mild, short-term side effects may include:

A dissociative or dream-like state
Visual disturbances or light sensitivity
Dizziness or nausea
Temporary anxiety or restlessness after treatment

These side effects typically resolve within 1–2 hours of treatment.

Take the First Step

If you're ready to explore a new path to healing, our team at Cascade Mind & Body Clinic is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you.

References

World Health Organization. Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
Zarate CA et al. (2006). A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist in treatment-resistant major depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.63.8.856
Andrade, C. (2017). Ketamine for Depression, 1: Clinical Summary of Issues Related to Efficacy, Adverse Effects, and Mechanism of Action. J Clin Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.17f11761
Duman RS, Aghajanian GK. (2012). Synaptic dysfunction in depression: potential therapeutic targets. Science.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1222939
Berman RM et al. (2000). Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. Biol Psychiatry.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00230-9
Raskind MA et al. (2007). Prazosin reduces nightmares in combat veterans with PTSD. Biol Psychiatry.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.06.032