'Ketamine therapy' could soon be used to treat depression and anxiety in Ireland

Ketamine therapy will soon be offered to people in Ireland suffering with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others. 

The drug, which was initially used as an anesthetic, has recently been discovered to be a treatment option for various mental health conditions. 

It works by creating or rebuilding synapses in the brain. 

Synapses connect neurons which are essentially the brain's wiring system.

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Depending on the mental health disorder being dealt with, the brain's systems can work in a way that they are not meant to which can in turn cause depression, anxiety, or other illnesses.

The ketamine treatment will be offered in Ireland's Neuromed Clinic via intranasal sprays. 

The clinic says this will offer "rapid symptom alleviation compared to conventional antidepressants." 

The therapy will be offered through multiple sessions that will take place over several weeks. 

It will be tailored to each individual depending on their response to the treatment and their condition. 

"To enhance therapeutic outcomes, we integrate this treatment with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which non-invasively activates brain regions involved in mood regulation. This combined approach is particularly effective for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders, especially for patients who have not benefited from standard treatments," the Neuromed Clinic website says.

The treatment will be conducted under strict medical supervision, emphasising safety and care to ensure optimal patient well-being.