Although ibogaine treatment for opiate addiction is more widely known, this substance can be used for other important medical treatments. For those who suffer from mood disorders, many patients have found success in using ibogaine for depression. Although there isn’t an overwhelming amount of scientific research on ibogaine, there is observational evidence to suggest that ibogaine therapy can improve anxiety, OCD, depression, and other conditions for an extended period of time following its administration.
Ibogaine treatment programs help patients to view their past experiences more objectively and resolve emotional conflicts. While this can be immensely helpful for those who suffer from addiction, these ideas translate very well to those with conditions like depression.
In addition, those who have undergone treatment at an ibogaine clinic were shown to have a restored level of balance in the neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine receptors. These receptors play a pivotal role in mood disorders. Since ibogaine has been shown to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, it could potentially replace SSRI or MAOI-based medications that are often prescribed to treat depressive disorders. However, patients and physicians should know that these two treatments should not be used in conjunction with each other, as this could culminate in dangerously high serotonin levels.
While the use of ibogaine for depression has been found to be successful, more research needs to be done regarding its interactions with psychiatric disorders like epilepsy, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia. Patients who have been diagnosed with depression along with one of these other neurological disorders are not viable candidates for ibogaine therapy. Patients need to be carefully evaluated prior to beginning treatment to ensure none of these risk factors exist. In addition, other unrelated health conditions may exclude patients from being approved for ibogaine therapy.
Although many patients have experienced freedom from their conditions due to ibogaine treatment, much more scientific research needs to be conducted in order to definitively highlight its merits. Despite its risks and limited availability in the U.S., ibogaine treatment does hold interest and promise for the future of how we may be able to treat mood disorders in the future. To find out more, seek out an accredited ibogaine treatment clinic.