As the top provider of IV ketamine therapy for mood disorders, NYKI is excited to announce that we’re expanding our services by opening a new clinic in Westchester County, NY! This new clinic will allow us to bring our innovative treatments to more of the people who need help the most.
A Brief History Of NYKI
NYKI was founded by Dr. Glen Brooks in 2012, making it one of the first therapy centers to specialize in this innovative treatment approach. Once the difference it made in the mental health community was apparent, a second location was opened in 2020 on Long Island in Melville, NY.
With over 5,000 patients treated since its founding, NYKI has since established itself as the most experienced ketamine center in the world. The tailored, private care we provide has given swift relief from even the most complex cases of depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders.
A Brief History Of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine was first synthesized in the early 1960s by Calvin Stevens, a scientist working for the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine quickly gained popularity due to its rapid onset of action, low cost, and relatively low risk of respiratory depression.
Over the past two decades, multiple studies conducted by scientists from Yale University, Mt. Sinai, and The National Institute of Mental Health have gone on to prove again and again the effectiveness of ketamine infusion therapy in the treatment of mood disorders.
Our very own Dr. Brooks, founder of NYKI, reports that according to our OutcomeMD patient survey data 84% of our patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced noteworthy or significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing ketamine therapy (based on 2200+ patients seen since Jan. 2022). In 2017, Cleveland Clinic acknowledged the effectiveness of this treatment by ranking it among the top 10 medical innovations.
How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work?
Although early research into depression and antidepressant medication focused on the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, in the last two decades, scientists have investigated the function of another neurotransmitter related to memory and learning: glutamate.
As an NMDA (N-methyl-D- aspartate) antagonist, ketamine obstructs the receptor from reabsorbing glutamate and stimulates the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF is a crucial brain chemical that helps mature and maintain the neuronal dendrites and synapses needed for regular brain connectivity.
It’s crucial for the brain’s neurons to have connections via their dendrites and synaptic contact in order to maintain healthy moods. However, childhood events that cause stress and anxiety can reduce BDNF production, leading to changes in neuroanatomy and severe mood disorders.
Through dozens of clinical trials and thousands of actual treatments with patients, it has been discovered that sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine can promote healing in the brain by encouraging the growth of dendrites and the regeneration of damaged synapses. This is most likely accomplished by blocking glutamate reabsorption and stimulating BDNF release.
Parting Words
Intravenous ketamine therapy is a faster-acting and less side-effect-prone alternative to traditional antidepressant treatments, which often take months to begin taking effect, if they ever work at all.
For individuals who haven’t found relief from traditional antidepressant treatments, NYKI is providing groundbreaking treatment with life-saving results. With our expansion into Westchester County, NYKI will continue to provide critically-needed care for individuals seeking effective mental healthcare.
As NYKI continues to expand its reach, we are excited to bring our innovative and effective ketamine infusion therapy to the residents of Westchester County. We are proud to be part of a revolutionary shift in mental healthcare, offering an alternative to traditional antidepressants for those in need.
We look forward to empowering even more individuals with the hope, healing, and support they deserve through our cutting-edge treatments. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, PTSD, or another mood disorder, contact NYKI today to explore the life-changing potential of ketamine infusion therapy. Together, we can forge a path towards a healthier, happier future.
