Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for BPD and Bipolar: The Pros and Cons

Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are both mental illnesses that can be very difficult to manage. While there are a number of treatments available, many people find that they don’t work well or have unpleasant side effects. Recently, ketamine-assisted therapy has been gaining attention as a potential treatment for BD and BPD. However, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if this is the right treatment for you. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key points related to ketamine-assisted therapy for BD and BPD.

The Pros of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for BPD and Bipolar Disorder

There are a number of pros to ketamine-assisted therapy, including:

• It’s effective – ketamine has been shown to be an effective treatment for both BPD and bipolar disorder. In fact, it may be more effective than traditional therapies.
• It’s fast-acting – ketamine begins working quickly, which is beneficial for those who are struggling with symptoms that are impacting their daily life.
• It’s reversible – ketamine is a short-term medication, so if you don’t like how it makes you feel or if it doesn’t seem to be helping, you can stop taking it without any long-term consequences.

The Cons of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for BPD and Bipolar Disorder

There are also a few cons to ketamine-assisted therapy, including:

• It can be expensive for some – ketamine is not a cheap medication, so it may be out of reach for some people.
• It can have side effects – ketamine can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. These side effects usually go away after a few doses, but they can be bothersome for some people.

So, is ketamine-assisted therapy right for you? Only you can answer that question. But, if you’re considering trying ketamine-assisted therapy, we would love to talk to you.

Bipolar Triggers

A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder

Examples of stressful triggers include:

• the breakdown of a relationship
• physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• the death of a close family member or loved one

These types of life-altering events can cause episodes of depression at any time in a person’s life.

Bipolar disorder may also be triggered by:

• physical illness
• sleep disturbances
• overwhelming problems in everyday life, such as problems with money, work or relationships

Chemical imbalance in the brain

Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain’s functions are called neurotransmitters and include noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that can cause tremendous distress for those who suffer from it and for their loved ones. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, ketamine-assisted therapy may offer hope to those struggling with bipolar disorder. Before making any decisions, however, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this treatment option. If you or someone you know is living with bipolar disorder, please contact us for more information about available treatments.