Depression is a serious mood disorder that can cause significant problems in a person’s life. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and worthlessness. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, typically in the fall or winter. This article will discuss the use of Spravato for seasonal affective disorder treatment.
SAD can be a debilitating condition, making it difficult to function in day-to-day life. Specifically, SAD is caused by a change in the amount of daylight exposure during the fall and winter months. This can lead to a decrease in serotonin levels, which is a brain chemical that helps regulate mood.
In the past, treatment for SAD has been limited to antidepressant medications, light therapy, and psychotherapy. However, a new medication called Spravato (esketamine) has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of SAD. Spravato is a nasal spray that delivers a low dose of ketamine, a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic.
Ketamine has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, and it is thought that the antidepressant effects of Spravato are due to its ability to increase levels of serotonin and other brain chemicals. Spravato has shown to be effective in reducing the severity of depression in some patients, with some effects seen within two days. However, it should be noted that not all trials have been successful in demonstrating effectiveness. In one long-term trial, Spravato was shown to significantly lengthen the time to relapse of depressive symptoms compared to placebo. These results suggest that Spravato may be a helpful treatment option for some patients with depression.
Lastly, several benefits of Spravato over other treatments should be noted. First, Spravato is a fast-acting medication, with some patients seeing improvement within two days. Second, Spravato is easy to administer, as it is a nasal spray that does not require injectable administration. Finally, Spravato has been shown to be effective in treating patients who have failed to respond to other treatments, such as antidepressants.
If you are considering Spravato for seasonal affective depression, get in touch with us today to see if you’re a candidate. At PsyFi TMS, we are proud to offer Spravato as part of our comprehensive approach to the treatment of depression. Contact us today at info@psyfitms.com or learn more at www.psyfitms.com
