In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what fibromyalgia is and the psychological effects of fibromyalgia.

We will also discuss how ketamine treatment is being used to help battle the effects that living with fibromyalgia can cause. 

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. The CDC estimates that fibromyalgia affects around 2% of the population, although it is thought to be underdiagnosed. 

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormalities in how the brain processes pain signals. There is also some evidence to suggest that emotional stress and trauma can contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.

Many of the physical effects of fibromyalgia can be very hard to live with. These include fatigue, sleep problems, and body stiffness. But the psychological effects of fibromyalgia can be just as debilitating.

Are There Risk Factors to Developing Fibromyalgia?

There is no known single cause of fibromyalgia, but some risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Having a family member with the condition
• Suffering from another chronic pain condition
• Experiencing emotional stress or trauma
• Having certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or lupus
• Obesity problems

It is thought that around half of people with fibromyalgia also suffer from depression. Women are also far more likely to be affected by fibromyalgia than men are. Up to 90% of cases are found in women.

What Is the Psychological Impact of Fibromyalgia?

While not discussed as often as the physical limitations, the psychological effects of fibromyalgia should not be underestimated. People with fibromyalgia often find it hard to cope with their daily lives and feel a few, if not all, of the following:

Depression

People with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience depression than those without the condition. The pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can make it difficult to participate in activities that were once enjoyable, which can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Anxiety

This is often due to the fear of pain or becoming disabled. The anxiety that comes with fibromyalgia can be very debilitating and interfere with daily activities.

Cognitive Problems

Many people with fibromyalgia also have what is known as “fibro fog,” which is a term used to describe the cognitive difficulties that can be associated with the condition. These difficulties can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.

Low Self-Esteem

The psychological symptoms of fibromyalgia can make it challenging to maintain a positive self-image. Patients are left feeling like it’s their fault that they are dealing with the condition, leading to a lot of self-hatred and guilt.

Social Isolation

Fibromyalgia can also lead to social isolation. The pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties associated with the condition can make it hard to interact with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Feeling a few or all of these effects while being in pain constantly can be very overwhelming and can lead to a lot of distress.

How Ketamine Is Helping To Treat Fibromyalgia

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when treating the psychological effects of fibromyalgia, as these may vary from person to person. However, one of the best ways to treat fibromyalgia is through ketamine.

Ketamine has been around for over 50 years and is most commonly known as an anesthetic. However, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, in recent years.

The drug works by blocking the pain signals sent from the brain to the body. This can help to reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

It is usually given as an infusion, which is a slow IV drip over a period of time. The length of the infusion will depend on the severity of the condition and how well the person responds to treatment.

Once administered, the medication makes its way to the brain and disrupts the pain signals. Alongside blocking the pain, it releases a flood of euphoria to the neurotransmitters that can help improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.

A course of ketamine infusions can help to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia and provide long-lasting relief. It is thought to be one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia and can help people regain their quality of life.

While ketamine is not a cure for fibromyalgia, it can help manage the condition’s psychological effects. Many people who have received treatment say they feel more in control of their lives and are less overwhelmed by the condition.

We Are Your Experts in the Battle Against Fibromyalgia

Soft Reboot Wellness can work with you to treat the physical and psychological impact that fibromyalgia causes.

We create a custom treatment plan for each patient that focuses on combining therapy with the powerful effects of ketamine treatment, helping patients overcome the challenges associated with fibromyalgia.

If you or someone you love is struggling with fibromyalgia, we encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help. We will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

You are not alone in this battle, and we are here to help.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Psychological Impact of Fibromyalgia appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

In the United States alone, it is estimated that 21 million adults will have experienced major depression in 2020, which makes this major mental health disorder quite common. 

As a result of the prevalence of depression, antidepressant medications are frequently prescribed for those who suffer from this condition. 

However, antidepressants don’t work for everyone. For some people, traditional medications simply don’t relieve their symptoms — or they end up causing intolerable side effects.

As an innovative treatment option for depression, ketamine is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants. Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for over 50 years, but its antidepressant properties were only discovered recently.

In this article, we will take a look at depression as a mental health crisis, and why it may be time to move on from traditional antidepressants to more effective treatment options, such as ketamine therapy.

Is It Time To Move On From Traditional Antidepressant Medication?

Depression is a mental health crisis that is often undertreated. In 2020, It is estimated that only 66% of people who suffer from depression received any kind of treatment.

There are many reasons why people don’t seek treatment for depression. The stigma associated with mental illness prevents some from seeking help. Others may not have access to quality care, or they may simply not be aware that help is available for their condition.

However, even those who do receive treatment for depression often find that traditional antidepressant medications are ineffective. In fact, it is estimated that 30% of people who take antidepressants experience only partial relief from their symptoms.

This lack of efficacy is especially concerning when we consider the wide range of potential side effects of antidepressant medications. In some cases, the side effects of these drugs are so severe that they end up causing more harm than good. 

Traditional antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects, including:

• Weight gain 
• Sexual dysfunction
• Fatigue

Given the lack of efficacy and the potential side effects of traditional antidepressant medication, it is not surprising that many people are looking for alternative treatment options. 

Ketamine therapy is one such option that is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants in the treatment of depression.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine was first introduced as an anesthetic in the 1950s and has been used safely in medical procedures for over 50 years. It was only recently that researchers discovered that ketamine could be used to treat depression.

Ketamine works by binding to the NMDA receptor in the brain. This action blocks the re-uptake of glutamate, which leads to an increase in the synaptic concentration of this neurotransmitter. This increase in synaptic concentration is thought to be responsible for the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

The benefits of ketamine therapy have been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials. 

One study found that 70% of patients who received ketamine therapy experienced a reduction in their symptoms within 24 hours. Furthermore, the effects were found to be long-lasting, with patients continuing to experience improvements in their symptoms for up to two weeks after treatment.

In contrast, traditional antidepressant medications can take weeks or even months to produce any relief from symptoms. This delay in efficacy is one of the main reasons many people discontinue their use of these particular drugs.

Ketamine therapy is not without side effects, but they are generally mild and well-tolerated. The most common side effects of ketamine therapy include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few hours after treatment.

Given the efficacy and tolerability of ketamine therapy, it is an attractive treatment option for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medication. 

If you are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for depression, contact Soft Reboot Wellness today.

Why Is Ketamine More Effective Than Traditional Antidepressants?

There are several reasons ketamine may be more effective than traditional antidepressants. 

First, ketamine has a rapid onset of action, while traditional antidepressants can take weeks or even months to work. Second, ketamine works by restoring glutamatergic neurotransmission, while traditional antidepressants target the monoaminergic system.

The monoaminergic system includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are thought to be involved in the development of depression. However, recent research has shown that the glutamatergic system may be more important in treating depression.

Ketamine also has a unique ability to increase BDNF levels. BDNF is a protein that helps repair damaged neurons and promote new neuron growth. This is an essential factor in treating depression, as depressed patients often have reduced BDNF levels.

Finally, ketamine is well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. 

Ketamine therapy is a new, innovative treatment option for depression that is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, ketamine therapy may be the answer.

Find Relief From Depression at Soft Reboot Wellness

If you are looking for an effective, innovative treatment for depression, contact Soft Reboot today. We offer ketamine therapy for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medication.   

Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Don’t suffer from depression any longer — you’re not alone! 

Contact us with any questions and find out if ketamine therapy is the solution you’re looking for. Click the link below to get in touch with us today!

[Contact Soft Reboot Wellness Today]

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post How Does Ketamine Help Where Antidepressants Don’t? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.