Metis is a novel treatment for a variety of mental disorders unresponsive to traditional care. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, dysphoria and suicidiality are all conditions that have been shown to respond.

Using Metis For Depression

Ketamine has been used safely as an anesthetic in medical settings for decades. At Sheila Rising, we utilize a treatment protocol using intramuscular injections. When it comes to treating difficult to control depression Metis is a safe alternative.

The term “difficult to control” or “treatment-resistant depression” describes a condition in which two or more oral antidepressant medications (such as Prozac or Zoloft) do not sufficiently treat one’s symptoms. Over one-third of depressed patients in treatment for depression do not respond to these traditional medications, which focus on helping the brain produce and maintain serotonin levels. Metis works differently, by helping repair damaged connections and pathways that are present in depression.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR JOURNEY.

PTSD

About PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or "PTSD," is a condition that can happen after people see or live through a trauma. A trauma is an intense event that involves serious injury or death or the chance of serious injury or death. This can include medical events, such as a heart attack, surgery, or treatment in a hospital's intensive care unit ("ICU"). PTSD can cause nightmares, upsetting memories, anxiety, and other symptoms.

Not everyone who sees or lives through trauma will get PTSD. Doctors do not know why some people get PTSD and others don't, it can happen at any age.

What are the symptoms of PTSD? The symptoms of PTSD include:

Reliving the trauma through thoughts and feelings – People can have upsetting memories, nightmares, or flashbacks. Flashbacks are when people "see" or feel the trauma over and over again.
Feeling "numb" and avoiding certain people or places – People avoid thinking about the trauma and avoid people and places that remind them of it. Some people also feel "numb." They might not enjoy activities they used to enjoy or feel part of the world around them.
Having intense feelings, such as anger, fear, or worry – People might frighten or startle easily. Many people have trouble sleeping.

These symptoms can start right after the trauma. If they last longer than 3 days, they could be symptoms of a related condition called acute stress disorder (ASD). If they last longer than a month, they could be symptoms of PTSD. Sometimes, though, symptoms of PTSD start years later. The symptoms often affect a person's job, relationships, or daily life. Symptoms of PTSD can come and go. They might return when people are under stress or see or hear something that reminds them of the trauma. The major symptoms listed may be responsive to Metis. There is enough evidence to show that it is a reasonable agent in the fight against a tenacious foe.

Gender Dysphoria

About Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a strong desire to alter one’s primary sex (assigned at birth) characteristics. The desire to change is strong and distressing and may result in functional impairment, depression, anxiety, and/or suicidality. Dysphoria is NOT related to sexual preferences. Metis is thought to provide a therapy that is helpful in this specific setting. Sheila Rising is involved with a study in the treatment of transgender transition-related dysphoria.

How Might Metis Work For Depression:

How Might Metis Work For Depression: When someone has depression, a number of things occur in the brain. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are dysregulated, causing changes in behavior, emotions, and cognition. Neuropathways – the routes along which neurotransmitters move about the brain – also become damaged or shut down completely. Think of these systems as roads (neuropathways) with cars (neurotransmitters) on them – when someone is depressed, certain roads are blocked and cars may be damaged as well. This can cause disruption to the normal functioning of the brain.

While traditional oral antidepressants are relatively good at getting the “cars” (neurotransmitters) up and running again, if the “roads” (neuropathways) are still shut down, they can’t make it to their destinations. This is where ketamine therapy comes in. Ketamine operates on multiple receptors and can help to rapidly restore neural pathways. While Metis is not a cure for a depressive disorder, it is a treatment option that can help to accelerate the healing process while relieving symptoms. It is a powerful option as part of a comprehensive care plan for depression.

Metis injections have a positive response in approximately 70% of clients. Responses are typically rapid-acting: realistically, positive effects can be felt within 24 hours after the first injection. Patients generally do not experience major side effects with our therapy. If you are among those who do not respond, we will know after the initial series of treatments and together can decide on a future course of action. Dr. Sheila will help you make that decision.

Who Should Use Metis For Depression?

Dr. Sheila is a board-certified physician with a deep background in the mental health realm. Client eligibility is determined through a stepwise approach that is detailed above.

About Depression:
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how one feels, thinks, and handles daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working.

For the first time in 50 years, depression treatments are available that do not require taking daily medications. Those therapies can cause side effects like sleepiness, weight gain, sexual side effects, upset stomach, and mental fogginess. While there is currently no cure for depression, recent medical advances have produced new options that can have faster results, such as ketamine (Metis). Symptoms of clinical depression may include:

At least 2 weeks of depressed mood, including feeling sad, empty, and hopeless, or loss of interest and pleasure.
Significant changes in appetite and weight or sleep patterns.
Fatigue or loss of energy and impaired thinking or concentration.
Thoughts of suicide or wanting to die.

Please contact us to discuss your options. Many have anxiety about considering a new treatment and we’d love to share information about our program and what it’s like to experience Metis for depression. There is now new hope.

Anxiety

About Anxiety

When is the anxiety a medical problem? Everyone feels anxious or nervous once in a while. That is normal. But being extremely anxious or worried on most days for 6 months or longer is not normal. This is called "generalized anxiety disorder." The disorder can make it hard to do everyday tasks.

What are the symptoms? People with extreme or severe anxiety feel very worried or "on edge" much of the time. They can have trouble sleeping or forget things. Plus, they can have physical symptoms; for instance, people often feel very tired and have tense muscles. Some get stomach aches or feel chest "tightness."

When should I seek help?

When you are more anxious than you think is normal.
Get overly anxious about things that other people handle more easily.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? Yes. Exercise can help many people feel less anxious. It's also a good idea to cut down on or stop drinking coffee and other sources of caffeine as it can make things worse.

How is anxiety treated?
Treatments include:

Psychotherapy – Psychotherapy involves meeting with a mental health professional to talk about your feelings, relationships, and worries. Therapy can help you find new ways of thinking about your situation so that you feel less anxious. In therapy, you might also learn new skills to reduce anxiety.
Medicines – Medicines used to treat depression can relieve anxiety, too, even in people who are not depressed. Metis may be helpful in a setting where other simpler methods have not worked.

People respond in different ways to medicines and therapy, so you might need to try several approaches before you find the one that helps the most. The key is to not give up. If this is a possible issue, discuss it with Dr. Sheila.