Neuroglow Glossary

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes hard-to-control worry about everyday life on most days for at least six months. It can affect sleep, focus, energy, and muscle tension. Care may include therapy, medication, or other clinical options.

Bipolar depression is the low-mood phase of bipolar disorder, with sadness, low energy, poor focus, sleep changes, or loss of interest. Because care differs from unipolar depression, screening for past mania or hypomania is very important.

Suicidal ideation means thoughts about death or ending one’s life, from passive wishes not to wake up to active thoughts with a plan. It needs prompt assessment, especially when thoughts are new, worsening, specific, or hard to control.

A booster infusion is an IV ketamine session given after the initial treatment series when benefits fade or symptoms return. Timing is individualized, using symptom changes and follow-up to decide whether another infusion may be appropriate.

The GAD-7 is a seven-question screening tool that measures anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores showing greater severity. Clinicians can repeat it over time to track changes during treatment.

The PHQ-9 is a nine-question tool used to screen for depression and measure symptom severity over the past two weeks. Scores range from 0 to 27. Repeating it during care can help clinicians track whether symptoms are improving or worsening.

MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are older antidepressants that slow the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They may help some people but need careful review of food and drug interactions because serious reactions can occur quickly.

SNRIs are antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine signaling by reducing their reuptake. They are used for depression and anxiety or pain conditions. Clinicians consider response, side effects, and prior medication trials.

SSRIs are common antidepressants that reduce serotonin reuptake, increasing its availability between nerve cells over time. They are commonly used for depression and anxiety disorders, but benefits may take several weeks and response varies.

An induction series is the first, more frequent phase of ketamine-based treatment. For Spravato, the labeled TRD schedule starts twice weekly for four weeks; IV ketamine schedules vary. Response during this phase helps guide later care.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment using focused magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-related brain areas. It is used for depression when other treatments have not helped enough, and does not require anesthesia.

Racemic ketamine contains equal amounts of ketamine’s R and S forms. In psychiatry, IV racemic ketamine is used off-label for treatment-resistant depression. Unlike Spravato, it is infused into a vein rather than given as a nasal spray.

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine nasal spray, an FDA-approved treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is given in a REMS-certified clinic under supervision, with monitoring for at least two hours after each dose.

The Spravato REMS is an FDA-required safety program for risks such as sedation, dissociation, breathing problems, misuse, and abuse. Treatment must occur in a certified healthcare setting with at least two hours of monitoring after each dose.

Off-label use means an FDA-approved medicine is prescribed in a way not approved on its label, such as for another condition, dose, or route. Clinicians may do this when medically appropriate, but that specific use is not FDA approved.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that supports neuron growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity. Research suggests BDNF signaling may be involved in ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects, but the pathway is complex.

Glutamate is the brain’s main excitatory chemical messenger and supports learning, memory, and nerve-cell communication. Ketamine and esketamine affect glutamate signaling through NMDA receptors, a pathway different from SSRIs and SNRIs.

The NMDA receptor is a type of glutamate receptor involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Ketamine and esketamine block NMDA receptors, setting off downstream brain-signaling changes linked to their antidepressant effects.

Esketamine is the S form of the ketamine molecule and the active ingredient in Spravato nasal spray. It blocks NMDA receptors and is FDA approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression, with treatment given under clinical supervision.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) means major depression has not improved enough after at least two adequate antidepressant treatments. It signals a need to reassess care and consider other evidence-based options, including Spravato.

Neuroplasticity means the brain can adapt and form new connections, which helps people recover from mental health issues. Activities like therapy, learning, exercise, and ketamine treatment can support this process and aid healing.

Ketamine lozenges and troches are slow-dissolving tablets for mental health treatment, taken at home with a doctor’s guidance. They help manage symptoms when other treatments fail. Always use them safely and as prescribed.

A K-hole is a distressing dissociative state from taking a high dose of ketamine without medical supervision. It can cause frightening effects and serious risks. The term is not medical but is commonly used to describe this experience.

IM ketamine is a fast-acting injectable treatment used in mental health care for those not helped by traditional methods. Given in a clinic, it can relieve severe emotional pain and support recovery, though effects are temporary.

Depersonalization is feeling disconnected from your body, thoughts, or sense of self, often due to stress or trauma. Though distressing, it is not harmful and can be managed with support and coping strategies.

Dissociation is feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings, often caused by trauma or stress. With support and therapy, people can manage dissociation and regain a sense of presence, control and emotional stability.

Analgesia is pain relief that helps people feel better and take part in their care. In mental health settings, it eases emotional distress and aids healing, but should always be given by a qualified professional.