Department of Psychiatry announces new option for patients with treatment-refractory major depressive disorder

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry recently announced a new treatment option for patients with treatment-refractory depression—intravenous ketamine infusion therapy.

Intravenous ketamine infusion therapy—though not FDA approved—is an evidenced-based option that can alleviate feelings of depression even for people who have not experienced adequate relief with standard care, such as antidepressant medication, electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation or psychotherapy.

“Under my direction, eligible patients approved after consultation and medical clearance will receive 40-minute ketamine infusions delivered by PACU nurses in a fully monitored setting to support patient safety and enhance patient experience,” says Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, attending physician in the Department of Psychiatry and Medical Director for the Ketamine Infusion Clinic. “Typical treatment regimens are three to eight individual treatments occurring on a three times per week schedule.”

To successfully launch the new program, a multidisciplinary team including staff from Psychiatry, the Pharmacy, PACU nursing, Partners eCare and Revenue Integrity all worked together to establish a protocol that’s safe and effective for patients. Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital is pleased to offer this service that is provided by experts in an easily accessible and convenient location. These treatments are not covered by insurance and are delivered on a self-pay basis.

To learn more about ketamine infusion therapy, including, specific details related to eligibility criteria and costs, click here.