What is Bipolar Disorder (BPD)?
The National Institute of Health defines bipolar disorder (BPD) as “a mental illness that causes
unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can
make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.” 1 Often times patients report an impact on their
quality of life and lack of adequate management of their symptoms by traditional medications
aimed more specifically at depression and anxiety.
- Bipolar type 1 is defined as mania lasting at least 7 days, and/or depression lasting more
- than two weeks. 1
- Bipolar 2 is defined as depressive episodes in conjunction with hypomanic episodes,
- with less severe mania than type 1. 1
- Cyclothymic bipolar where the cycles of depression and anxiety are less severe and less
- long standing than the above. 1
Can Ketamine Help?
Ketamine is generally not recommended during hypomanic or manic phases of BPD. It is our
opinion that ketamine can be too intense in these periods and can lead to worsening
symptoms.
Where ketamine can really have an impact is during the depressive episodes of BPD, where the
patient experiences lower functionality, mood and an increase in suicidality.
Research has shown that ketamine can help with treatment resistant depression, and bipolar
depression. In a recent consensus paper, providers and scientists examined numerous studies
and concluded that given “the high rate of TRD in persons with bipolar disorder, as well as
preliminary evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of ketamine, would justify
consideration of ketamine as an investigational treatment in bipolar disorder” 2
Why Avesta?
Ketamine can provide rapid relief of symptoms and together with a nutritious diet, a healthy
life style and psychotherapy, one can have profound responses. Consulting with your
psychiatrist (or prescribing provider) is a good place to start. At Avesta Ketamine and Wellness,
we can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals. Contact us for a free
phone consultation to understand more.
References
- What is bipolar disorder? https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-
disorder#part_2260 accessed 8/14/2024. - Am J Psychiatry. 2021 May 1; 178(5): 383–399. Synthesizing the Evidence for
Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert
Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation. Roger McIntyre, Joshua
Rosenblat, Charles Nemeroff, et al. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20081251
