Infusion Therapy
Intravenous infusion therapy is an emerging treatment option for individuals suffering from depression, mainly when traditional therapies have not provided sufficient relief or when urgent relief is needed for suicidality.
How does intravenous therapy for depression work?
The psychoactive medication is administered intravenously over a series of six treatments. The treatment works by targeting neurotransmitter systems in the brain involved in mood regulation. The agent utilised in this therapy can influence pathways associated with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional pain.
This therapy can help improve mood and overall emotional well-being by promoting the release of certain chemicals. By influencing the NMDA receptor in the brain, there is potential for neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which can lead to success in treating otherwise treatment-resistant forms of depression.
The results are rapid, and an improvement in mood and lifting of hopelessness and suicidality can occur within hours or days. A single infusion is unlikely to have lasting effects, so following an evidence-based treatment protocol is important.
What are the benefits of using intravenous therapy for depression?
- Rapid Relief: Many individuals experience improvement in their symptoms within hours or days, a significant advantage over traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to show effects.
- Alternative Option for Treatment Resistance: If you have not found relief with conventional treatments, this therapy can provide a new pathway to emotional stability.
- Supportive Environment: The treatment is administered in a compassionate and supportive setting, with professionals dedicated to your care and recovery.
What does the intravenous therapy process entail?
- Consultation: A thorough assessment is conducted to understand your medical history and determine if infusion therapy suits you. This consultation can be done by your treating psychiatrist, who can then refer you for treatment, or we can facilitate a referral to a psychiatrist with experience for this initial assessment.
- Administration: The treatment is administered in a comfortable clinical setting. You will receive the infusion over a period of time, lasting between 40 minutes to an hour. An initial programme of 6 sessions taking place over 2-3 weeks is administered, followed by maintenance treatment if appropriate.
- Monitoring: Your response to the treatment will be monitored during and after the infusion. This ensures your safety and allows healthcare providers to tailor the approach to your needs. This includes medical and mental health monitoring. A doctor will be present with you for the duration of your treatment to monitor and support you through any experience you may have while receiving the treatment.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What can I expect from these treatment sessions?
During your assessment appointment, your doctor will explain to you what you may experience. This can include some dissociative effects from the medication, which is generally well tolerated. We start with low dosages and build up if needed. The doctor present during your session is experienced in managing any more challenging reactions to the feeling of dissociation to ensure that you feel safe and cared for if this happens. Short-lived, mild side effects such as nausea can be managed if they arise.
We encourage you to bring appropriate music and headphones to use during your sessions, and we can advise on suitable playlists.
What does the cost of intravenous therapy include?
- The cost of your psychiatrist's suitability assessment will be discussed directly with your doctor. Medical aid rates are charged if we refer you to a psychiatrist for this assessment.
- Your 6 sessions with us are structured as follows:
- The first infusion session (90-minute session, including preparation, time to answer questions beforehand, and additional recovery time) is R3400.
- The remaining five infusions (60-minute infusion sessions) are R2900 each.
Who will be present during the sessions?
One of our mental health general practitioners will facilitate and be present for your sessions. This team consists of:
- Dr Lené le Roux, Dr Kirsten Whitlock and Dr John Wulz.
- Our medical officer, Dr Robyn Milton, has extensive emergency medicine experience and will set up your drip and provide any needed medical intervention.
Intravenous infusion therapy represents a reasonably new advancement in the management of depression. By providing rapid and effective relief for those struggling with their mental health, this treatment offers a compassionate approach to fostering recovery and improving quality of life. If you or a loved one are considering this option, reach out to a healthcare professional to explore its potential benefits.