Frequently asked questions
No, there are defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for this treatment. To ensure patient safety, the Assessment Consultation aims to verify eligibility for this treatment and verify whether or not there are exclusion criteria for it, following a strict clinical protocol. Ideally, there should also be a referral to this treatment by the attending psychiatrist, who should be contacted by our team, in order to validate the diagnosis and information provided by the user. Exclusion criteria include certain psychiatric conditions, such as personal and family history of psychotic episodes, schizophrenia, type 1 bipolar affective disorder or severe personality disorder. There are physical contraindications, such as coronary vascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, thyroid pathology, epilepsy and sleep apnea. Given the specificities of the treatment, it is also necessary to ensure the existence of a socio-family support network and the presence of a companion or reference person at the end of each Dosage Session.
The treatment is aimed at people whose main diagnosis is treatment-resistant depression, defined as an episode of major depression without a significant response after previous use of at least two antidepressants, in an appropriate dose and duration. The presence of other psychiatric comorbidities will be investigated at the Assessment Consultation.
Yes. The treatment can (and should) be combined with your current follow-up in Psychiatry and/or Psychology consultations. For your safety, throughout the treatment, the medical team will seek to remain in contact with your psychiatrist and/or assistant psychologist. At the end of the treatment, continued care will be guaranteed.
Yes. The treatment is compatible with the vast majority of drugs used in Psychiatry, including other antidepressant drugs. If you are eligible for this treatment, the doctor who will accompany you will be able to guide you in managing some medications that may interfere with the treatment (e.g. benzodiazepines or lamotrigine).
The drug used is safe, used for many years as an anesthetic, in much higher doses than those used in this treatment. The effects expected throughout the treatment will be discussed, including side effects that are mostly benign and transient. You will always be accompanied by a doctor, capable of promptly managing any possible complications.
The drug used in this treatment has been studied in Psychiatry for over 50 years. In the last two decades, evidence has emerged that makes it a therapeutic option described in the main psychopharmacology books, and is currently being investigated in conjunction with established treatments for Treatment-Resistant Depression, such as Electroconvulsive Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. However, like these and other treatments in Psychiatry, not all patients respond effectively to treatment with this medication.
The effects of treatment are divided into psychological and physical. They are usually easily controllable with instructions simple by the doctor and/or pharmacological interventions.
In addition to the mechanisms of antidepressant action at a neurobiological level, the main psychological effects of the drug used are also associated with its therapeutic mechanism. This has the ability to temporarily modify the content of consciousness, making it possible to explore new perspectives on oneself or on the world that surrounds one. surrounds. In medically safe contexts, these induced subjective psychological experiences may have significant value. therapeutic and may be associated with greater antidepressant therapeutic efficacy and positive behavioral changes. This one This effect can also give you a state of greater psychological vulnerability, which requires ethical conduct on the part of from your doctor. Other possible psychological effects during administration stand out: mood changes, sedation, changes in the experience of the Self, changes in memory, changes in the perception of time, changes in visual perception and hearing loss, changes in the course of thought or agitation. After the acute effect, slight sensitivity may persist sensory and some changes in mood, typically perceived as positive. It has also been demonstrated anti-suicidal action in most people, although in some cases it can worsen suicidal ideation: if this check, you must inform the doctor promptly. Although the medicine used is a substance with potential abuse, its application in medically safe contexts and in the proposed treatment scheme does not induce symptoms of dependence or desire for its use outside this context. If you experience such symptoms, you should immediately inform the doctor. There is no evidence of an increased risk of psychosis after using the medication.
Physical effects are typically transient and benign. For your safety, during dosing sessions you will be Your blood pressure and heart rate were assessed, as there may be a slight increase in these parameters. Among other common effects are: dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, body numbness or incoordination motor. Less commonly, you may experience diplopia, headache, abdominal or gastric discomfort, vomiting or psychomotor slowing. Urinary tract toxicity, hepatotoxicity or respiratory distress are rare effects; if they occur, they will be managed by your doctor. Temporary skin reactions at the injection site may occur.
In addition to the mechanisms of antidepressant action at a neurobiological level, the main psychological effects of the drug used are also associated with its therapeutic mechanism. This has the ability to temporarily modify the content of consciousness, making it possible to explore new perspectives on oneself or on the world that surrounds one. surrounds. In medically safe contexts, these induced subjective psychological experiences may have significant value. therapeutic and may be associated with greater antidepressant therapeutic efficacy and positive behavioral changes. This one This effect can also give you a state of greater psychological vulnerability, which requires ethical conduct on the part of from your doctor. Other possible psychological effects during administration stand out: mood changes, sedation, changes in the experience of the Self, changes in memory, changes in the perception of time, changes in visual perception and hearing loss, changes in the course of thought or agitation. After the acute effect, slight sensitivity may persist sensory and some changes in mood, typically perceived as positive. It has also been demonstrated anti-suicidal action in most people, although in some cases it can worsen suicidal ideation: if this check, you must inform the doctor promptly. Although the medicine used is a substance with potential abuse, its application in medically safe contexts and in the proposed treatment scheme does not induce symptoms of dependence or desire for its use outside this context. If you experience such symptoms, you should immediately inform the doctor. There is no evidence of an increased risk of psychosis after using the medication.
Physical effects are typically transient and benign. For your safety, during dosing sessions you will be Your blood pressure and heart rate were assessed, as there may be a slight increase in these parameters. Among other common effects are: dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, body numbness or incoordination motor. Less commonly, you may experience diplopia, headache, abdominal or gastric discomfort, vomiting or psychomotor slowing. Urinary tract toxicity, hepatotoxicity or respiratory distress are rare effects; if they occur, they will be managed by your doctor. Temporary skin reactions at the injection site may occur.
The total number of Dosage and Integration sessions will necessarily take into account the clinical evolution of symptoms, being a decision shared between doctor and patient. In line with the available scientific evidence, in general, we recommend that you perform a minimum of 4 administrations of the drug. Some patients may need new administrations of the drug in order to sustain the therapeutic effects, although these may be more spaced out in time.
Although this depends on the total number of Dosage and/or Integration sessions, treatments are generally carried out over 4 to 5 weeks, always in the afternoon. Generally, you will need to visit the clinic 2 to 3 times a week throughout your treatment for the respective sessions.
If there is a clinical indication to start treatment, a treatment plan will be structured according to the team's availability and existing vacancies. If all available places are filled, you may not be able to start treatment immediately. The team will make every effort to respond to your needs as quickly as possible.
Prior to the Dosing Sessions, you must fast for at least 4 hours before the session. You must not drink alcohol or other non-prescribed psychoactive substances in the 48 hours prior to the session. You must comply with the indications given in the preparation sessions by the doctor on the use of certain medications.
After the Dosing Sessions, clinical discharge will only be allowed in the company of a reference person indicated by you. No must consume alcoholic beverages or other non-prescribed psychoactive substances within 48 hours after the session. No it is recommended to exercise after the session or drive until the next day. Should you rest or engage in activities quiet, predictable, or relaxing for the rest of the day. Don't make important decisions in the days after the sessions. dosage.
After the Dosing Sessions, clinical discharge will only be allowed in the company of a reference person indicated by you. No must consume alcoholic beverages or other non-prescribed psychoactive substances within 48 hours after the session. No it is recommended to exercise after the session or drive until the next day. Should you rest or engage in activities quiet, predictable, or relaxing for the rest of the day. Don't make important decisions in the days after the sessions. dosage.