Latest news with #Spravato
USA Today
3 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Elon Musk, the Trump campaign and ketamine: What to know about the powerful drug
New details about Elon Musk's relationship with ketamine have emerged a few days after the tech entrepreneur announced his departure from the White House. Although Musk had previously mentioned using a "small amount once every other week," the billionaire X owner may have been using ketamine frequently enough on President Donald Trump's campaign trail for the drug to start causing some health issues, according to reporting from The New York Times. Musk previously mentioned using the drug as a medical prescription to treat depression in an hour-long interview with former CNN host Don Lemon in March 2024, where he also denied abusing the drug. Musk is not the only celebrity who has used ketamine. The late actor Matthew Perry was using ketamine under the care of a physician for the treatment of depression, although the levels of ketamine in his system at the time of his death in October 2023 weren't related to his last infusion. Other celebrities who have used the substance include Chrissy Teigen and Sharon Osborne. Here's what to know about ketamine. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. What is ketamine? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It binds to the NDMA receptors and is essentially a 'stop' signal. It starts to interfere with the connection between your brain and your body. The effects are dose-dependent, but it generally leads to a 'disconnected' feeling from you, your person – and your body. Symptoms range from unconsciousness (like when used in general anesthesia) to an 'out of body' experience or hallucinations. Is ketamine legal? Ketamine is a legal medication and is used as an injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in humans and animals, the DEA says. A ketamine derivative, esketamine under the brand name Spravato, is FDA-approved as a nasal spray to treat depression in adults, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Ketamine has also been used off-label in dozens of clinics across the U.S. to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, in combination with talk therapy. However, most of the ketamine distributed in the U.S. is done so illegally, per the DEA. It's often diverted or stolen from legitimate sources, like veterinary clinics, or smuggled into the country. Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III drug by the agency, which denotes substances "with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence." In case you missed: Sharon Osbourne says ketamine helped her depression. Is this the next big trend? Short- and long-term effects of ketamine Short-term side effects of ketamine use may include headache, dizziness, sleepiness, feeling strange or 'loopy,' difficulty speaking, numbness, blurred vision or nausea, according to NIDA. Long-term, heavy ketamine use is associated with memory problems, depression and anxiety. The drug may also cause gastrointestinal problems, abdominal pain popularly known as 'k-cramps' and uropathy, which is a blockage in the urinary tract that can lead to infections, or UTIs. Contributing: Delaney Nothaft and Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment
Season 2 of the reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" depicted one couple — Jen and Zac Affleck — as they went through ketamine therapy, which they claimed saved their marriage. What is ketamine, and can it really benefit relationships? An anesthetic used to induce sleep before and after surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic, ketamine is also used illegally as a recreational drug. Fda Approves Opioid-free Pain Medication With 'No Sign Of Addiction' The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," meaning it causes people to feel "separated or detached" from their bodies or physical surroundings. In recent years, ketamine has been used as an alternative therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Read On The Fox News App "It can be a party drug, and it can be abused, but I think if you have the right intention and you do it in the proper setting with a doctor, it can be super impactful," Zac Affleck said in an interview with Women's Health. As far as personal beliefs, "there's nothing in the Mormon guidelines that says you can't do ketamine, but it's in the gray area," Affleck added. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a derivative of ketamine in a nasal spray format (Spravato, or S-ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. Some clinical studies have shown that ketamine therapy can be effective in treating severe depression in veterans. "Ketamine acts like an antidepressant that can help distract someone from negative thoughts and feelings in a relatively short amount of time," Rolando Larice, M.D., medical director at Sana Lake Recovery in Missouri, told Fox News Digital. Ketamine Therapy Shown Effective In Treating Severe Depression In Veterans, Study Finds The drug is believed to create more connections between brain cells, a process thought to ease depression and decrease suicidal thoughts, according to Mayo Clinic. Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, previously told Fox News Digital that he uses ketamine therapy in his own practice. "It's been quite transformative for a lot of our clients," he said. Gerstner's practice usually administers ketamine to clients via IV injection in two- to three-hour sessions, partnered with psychotherapy before and after treatment. It is intended to be used in combination with antidepressant pills only under the supervision of a medical professional. At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website. Elon Musk Reveals Why He Takes Ketamine, Denies Abusing The Drug: 'I Should Keep Taking It' Some risks include elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, amnesia, seizures, addiction, problems with judgment and coordination, and a lower urinary tract irritation called ulcerative cystitis, according to the same source. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News' senior medical advisor, previously told Fox News Digital. Larice cautioned that ketamine does carry a risk of addiction or dependency. While ketamine IV therapy could be an alternative option if other treatments haven't been effective for mental health conditions, experts urge caution. "People may see celebrities like Jen Affleck make claims that ketamine therapy saved her marriage, but if it's shown as a quick fix to solve all of your problems rather than a step toward healing, that's when it can be dangerous," Larice cautioned. For more Health articles, visit It is important for the IV treatment to be monitored by medical professionals in case dangerous side effects occur, he said. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed article source: What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Spravato Overview: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and More
Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription drug that's approved to treat certain forms of depression. Esketamine comes as a nasal spray that you inhale. Specifically, Spravato is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults: treatment-resistant depression, alone or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behavior, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant To learn more about Spravato's uses, see the ' Uses for Spravato ' section. Spravato basics Spravato is a brand-name medication. It contains the active ingredient esketamine. A generic version of the drug isn't currently available. Spravato has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the ' Spravato precautions ' section. Uses for Spravato Spravato is used to treat the following forms of depression in adults. It's unknown how Spravato works to help treat depression. It blocks a certain protein in the brain called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Some studies suggest that the NMDA receptors play a role in depression. Spravato for treatment-resistant depression Spravato is approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This is a type of depression that hasn't improved after you've tried at least two other antidepressant drugs. Spravato for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behavior Spravato is also approved for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behavior. Symptoms of major depressive disorder include: persistent low mood little interest in activities you used to enjoy feelings of guilt or worthlessness fatigue difficulty focusing increase or decrease in appetite insomnia having a hard time completing daily activities suicidal thoughts or behaviors Limitations of use Doctors should not prescribe Spravato in certain situations. Doctors don't prescribe Spravato to prevent suicide or to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In studies, the drug wasn't shown to be effective for these uses. Instead, doctors prescribe the drug to decrease the underlying symptoms of depression that lead to suicidal thoughts. Also, Spravato isn't approved for anesthetic purposes like ketamine. (An anesthetic causes a loss of sensation, such as during surgery.) In studies, Spravato wasn't proven to be safe and effective as an anesthetic drug. Side effects of Spravato Like most drugs, Spravato may cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects that Spravato may cause. These lists don't include all possible side effects. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: your age other health conditions you have other medications you take Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Spravato. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Spravato and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. Mild side effects Here's a list of some of the mild side effects that Spravato can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Spravato's prescribing information. Mild side effects that people taking Spravato have reported include: nausea and vomiting vertigo or feeling dizzy loss of sensation in part of your body fast heartbeat diarrhea feeling drunk anxiety headache lack of energy and mental alertness insomnia excessive sweating irritation and discomfort in the nose or throat muscle pains Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects Serious side effects from Spravato can occur. If you have serious side effects from Spravato, call your doctor right away. But if you think you're having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects that people taking Spravato have reported include: difficulty with attention, judgment, thinking, reaction speed, and motor skills increased blood pressure, which may lead to serious events such as stroke or seizures serious bladder or urinary tract problems, such as inflammation of your bladder boxed warnings: For more about Spravato's boxed warnings, see the ' Spravato precautions ' section. Allergic reaction Some people may have an allergic reaction to Spravato. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Spravato. But if you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. Spravato dosage The Spravato dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include: the type and severity of the condition you're using Spravato to treat your age other medical conditions you may have The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Form and strength Spravato comes as a solution in a nasal spray bottle that you'll inhale. Each nasal spray bottle releases two sprays for a total of 28 milligrams (mg) of esketamine. Recommended dosages The recommended dosages of Spravato depend on the condition your doctor prescribes it to treat. Dosage for treatment-resistant depression For treatment-resistant depression, your doctor will prescribe a dosing schedule for Spravato. They'll adjust your dose based on how well the medication is working and any side effects you're experiencing. Your dosing schedule will be split into two phases. The first phase is called the induction (starting) phase, and it lasts 4 weeks. For weeks 1 through 4, you'll receive two doses per week on two separate days. If your doctor determines that you should continue receiving Spravato treatment after 4 weeks, you'll begin the maintenance (long term) phase. In weeks 5 through 8 of treatment, you'll take maintenance doses once per week. For week 9 and beyond, you'll receive a dose once every 1 or 2 weeks. Dosage for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors For major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behavior, you'll take a dose of Spravato twice per week for 4 weeks. Depending on how your body responds to Spravato, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. After 4 weeks, your doctor will check if the medication is working for you. They'll let you know if you should continue treatment with Spravato. How to use Spravato Spravato comes as a nasal spray that you'll administer yourself under the guidance of a doctor at a healthcare facility. Your Spravato treatment schedule depends on the medical condition you are taking it to treat. After you take each dose of Spravato, your doctor or another healthcare professional will monitor you for at least 2 hours. They will also assess you before you're able to leave the facility. Questions about using Spravato Below are answers to some common questions about using Spravato. Is there a best time of day to take Spravato? No, there isn't a best time of day to take a Spravato dose. Your doctor will schedule your appointment to take a Spravato dose under medical supervision. Should I take a Spravato dose with food? You should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before taking a Spravato dose. This is because Spravato can cause nausea or vomiting, so it's best to take a dose on an empty stomach. Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid drinking any liquids 30 minutes before you take a dose. What if I miss a dose of Spravato? If you miss an appointment to take a dose of Spravato, call your doctor's office or the healthcare facility to reschedule your appointment. Your doctor can determine when you should receive your next dose after a missed dose. You may need to take a different dose and follow a different dosing schedule after a missed dose. Will I need to take Spravato long term? Your doctor will tell you if you need long-term treatment with Spravato for treatment-resistant depression. If your side effects aren't too bothersome and Spravato is working for you, you can take it long term. Talk with your doctor to find out how long you'll need Spravato treatment. How long does Spravato take to work? In studies of people with treatment-resistant depression receiving Spravato and taking an antidepressant by mouth, their depression symptoms began to ease within 24 hours of taking a dose. For people with major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behavior, their depression symptoms began to ease after 4 hours. Depression symptoms continued to decrease over the next 4 weeks of treatment in both groups. Using Spravato with other drugs Your doctor will prescribe Spravato with at least one other antidepressant that you'll take by mouth. Examples of these drugs include: venlafaxine (Effexor XR) escitalopram (Lexapro) bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) mirtazapine (Remeron) amitriptyline Some people may need to use a nasal corticosteroid such as mometasone (Nasonex) or a nasal decongestant such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) for an upper respiratory infection or allergy. Because these are also nasal sprays, it is important to take these medicines at least 1 hour before taking a Spravato dose. Overdose Do not take more Spravato than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. What to do in case of overdose Call your doctor if you think you've taken too much Spravato. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America's Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room. Spravato interactions Using a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions. Spravato can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. Before using Spravato, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. Spravato cost and coupons Prices of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include whether you have insurance coverage and which pharmacy you use. If you have questions about what your cost for Spravato treatment may be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A program called Spravato withMe may also help lower your cost for the drug. Factors to consider when using Spravato Pregnancy and Spravato Spravato should not be used during pregnancy. If you're planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this drug. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Spravato. If you become pregnant during treatment with Spravato, tell your doctor right away. It is recommended to stop the medication immediately. But it's also important to note that discontinuing an antidepressant drug during pregnancy may cause depression symptoms to return. That's why your doctor will likely discuss other options to treat your depression during pregnancy. If you do take Spravato during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug's pregnancy registry. Data collected from pregnancy registries help researchers better understand a drug's risks if taken during pregnancy. To sign up or learn more, visit the registry's website or call 866-961-2388. Spravato and breastfeeding It is not safe to take Spravato while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk, and it's unknown what effects it could have on a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options. Spravato precautions The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before using Spravato. FDA warnings Spravato has three boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA about drug effects that may be dangerous. Boxed warnings for Spravato include: Risk of misuse. Spravato is a controlled substance. It's classified as a Schedule III drug. This means Spravato has a medical use but also has a high risk of dependence. (With dependence, your body needs a drug to feel like it usually does.) Spravato also has a boxed warning for misuse. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it's prescribed.) People who've misused other drugs before may have an increased risk of misusing Spravato. Before prescribing Spravato, your doctor will assess your risk of misuse with Spravato. And during treatment, your doctor will monitor you for signs of misuse. To help lower the risk of misuse of Spravato, it's only available through a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. Through the Spravato REMS program, the healthcare center and pharmacy must be certified to dispense Spravato. To learn more about the requirements of Spravato REMS, visit the program's website or call 855-382-6022. Risk of sedation, dissociation, and respiratory depression. In studies, sedation (extreme sleepiness) was a common side effect of Spravato. Loss of consciousness was also a possible side effect of Spravato, but reports of this were rare. Another common side effect of Spravato is dissociation (feeling disconnected from time or space or having hallucinations). Spravato may also cause respiratory depression (slow and ineffective breathing), but it isn't clear how often this side effect occurred. (Respiratory depression wasn't reported in studies, but it has occurred since the drug was approved.) You'll take your dose of Spravato in a healthcare setting and remain under supervision for at least 2 hours after each dose. Your doctor will monitor you closely for sedation if you're taking other drugs that depress the central nervous system. They will also assess you for changes to your breathing, which will include checking your blood oxygen levels. Spravato is also only available through a REMS program. Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children and young adults (ages 24 years and younger) have a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors with Spravato. It's important to note that Spravato is only approved for use in adults. Your doctor will closely monitor you for suicidal thoughts and behaviors during your treatment with Spravato. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is higher than usual when you start treatment and have a dosage change. Your doctor may need to make changes to your treatment plan if you're having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors can include: Help is out there If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7. Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives. Other precautions Before using Spravato, discuss your health history with your doctor. Spravato may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you: heart problems high blood pressure liver problems psychosis bleeding in the brain arteriovenous malformation previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug Spravato misuse and dependence Spravato has an increased risk of misuse. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it's prescribed.) In fact, the drug has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Spravato is also a controlled substance. It's classified as a Schedule III drug. This means Spravato has a medical use but also has an increased risk of dependence. (With dependence, your body needs a drug to feel like it usually does.) People who've misused or had a dependency on other drugs or alcohol before may have an increased risk of misuse or dependence with Spravato. Frequently asked questions about Spravato Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Spravato. Does Spravato cause any long-term side effects? It's unknown if Spravato causes long-term side effects. In studies, both mild and severe side effects occurred on the day a person inhaled the medication. These side effects typically went away that same day. What is Spravato's mechanism of action (how does it work)? Spravato works by blocking a protein called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain. Some studies suggest that the NMDA receptors play a role in depression. But it's not known exactly how Spravato works to help treat depression. Is Spravato approved to treat anxiety or bipolar disorder? No, Spravato isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety or bipolar disorder. But in some cases, doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for these uses. (Off-label use is when a drug that's FDA-approved to treat one condition is used to treat a condition it's not approved for.) One study showed that ketamine (a drug very similar to Spravato) helps treat symptoms of anxiety. A report suggests that Spravato might help manage depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. If you're interested in receiving Spravato treatment off-label for a condition other than depression, talk with your doctor. What should I know about Spravato vs. a ketamine infusion? Spravato contains the active ingredient esketamine, which is very similar to ketamine. (Ketamine is approved for use as general anesthesia during surgery.) Although most doctors don't prescribe ketamine to treat depression, a review of studies suggests it may be an effective treatment option for some people. Spravato and ketamine are given in different ways. Spravato comes as a nasal (nose) spray that you inhale. Ketamine is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by your doctor or another healthcare professional. (An IV infusion is an injection into a vein over a period of time.) Ketamine may also be given as an intramuscular injection, depending on the situation. If you have other questions about how Spravato and ketamine compare, talk with your doctor. Is Spravato a controlled substance? Yes, Spravato is a controlled substance. It's classified as a Schedule III drug. This means Spravato has a medical use but also has an increased risk of dependence. (With dependence, your body needs a drug to feel how it usually feels.) Spravato also has a boxed warning for misuse. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it's prescribed.) To learn more, see the ' Factors to consider when using Spravato ' section. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Innovative Treatment Option for Depression Relief Now Available in Fox Chapel
New Directions offers SPRAVATO®, FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, providing fast symptom relief and improved accessibility. PITTSBURGH, PA, UNITED STATES, May 19, 2025 / / -- New Directions Mental Health is thrilled to announce that its Fox Chapel clinic is now offering Spravato® as part of its commitment to providing innovative and effective treatment options for mental health. New Directions is proud to offer Spravato®, the first nasal spray approved by the FDA for treating adults with treatment resistant depression. Spravato®, also known as esketamine, is a fast-acting treatment, with clients often feeling relief from their depression symptoms within hours. It works by rapidly altering brain chemistry to provide relief from symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Historically Spravato® has been used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant; however, new FDA approval allows use of Spravato® without a concurrent oral antidepressant. Read more about this development here: Spravato® is administered at New Directions' approved clinics under the close supervision of a healthcare professional and is now more accessible than ever. In a short-term study, patients treated with Spravato® combined with an oral antidepressant experienced a faster and more significant reduction in depression symptoms after just 4 weeks, compared to those who received the placebo alongside an oral antidepressant ( ). This innovative treatment option has been shown to be effective for many individuals who have not responded well to traditional antidepressant medications or talk therapy alone. Spravato® is not a cure for depression, but it can provide significant relief from symptoms and help individuals regain their quality of life. To learn more about New Directions Mental Health and its array of mental health services including individual and group therapy, TMS therapy, medication management, and Spravato® treatment, visit To schedule a new client appointment or to discuss how mental health treatment can benefit you, a loved one, or your patients, call 724-237-8585 or visit About New Directions Mental Health and Transformations Care Network New Directions Mental Health is a proud member of Transformations Care Network (TCN). As a member of TCN, the New Directions team can accept more insurance plans and have access to cutting edge services and technological advancements. TCN provides the support, resources, and tools that your care team needs to transform lives in their communities. To learn more about Transformations Care Network, a family of outpatient mental health organizations, and the inspiring work they are doing to shape the future of mental health care, visit Erica McPeek Transformations Care Network email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Life Management Center raises awareness on mental health support
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – May is Mental Health Awareness month. Each year, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness. The Life Management Center works with partners from the behavioral health networking group to provide services across the region. One of those services is transitioning patients back into society. 'It's a way for us to teach them life skills and to get stabilized and compliant with their medication and their mental health treatment and be able to go back to their normal lives,' Life Management Center Director Kristina Williams said. Some of Life Management's partners toured the Panama City Center's new transitional housing apartments. Patients can live there for up to a year, with access to psychiatric care and a mental health team. There's an on-site pharmacy to supply them with their medications, like Spravato, for treatment-resistant depression. It's one of the few locations that offer the Spravato treatment plan. 'This allows them to get their medicine a little bit easier and also increases the likelihood that they're going to get their medicines and take it and stay compliant with their treatment plan,' Williams said. They also have access to crisis services and a mobile response team. If someone needs intensive hospitalization for their mental health, they can go to the inpatient psychiatric unit. 'People can come here essentially one of two ways, either voluntarily or involuntarily. In the inpatient unit, I really try and reinforce that with individuals who seek treatment, that this is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your loved ones, the community,' Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Jennifer Davis said. The Life Management Center has a 24-hour crisis line. You can receive support by calling (850) 522-4485. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
