Originally developed and approved by the FDA as an anesthetic, ketamine is becoming a groundbreaking option for those who struggle with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. But what exactly is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy involves the administration of controlled doses of ketamine under the supervision of a doctor, usually through intravenous (IV) infusions, intramuscular injections, nasal sprays, or lozenges. It’s typically not a first-line treatment; however, it may be considered after failed attempts at other traditional treatments. Keep reading to learn more about ketamine therapy, what you can expect during treatment, as well as the benefits and risks of this innovative treatment.
Ketamine therapy shows promise for many mental health conditions that haven’t responded to standard treatments, like:
In 2019, the FDA approved intranasal esketamine (Spravato), a derivative of ketamine, specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Treatment-resistant means a person has tried at least two different traditional antidepressants at adequate doses for sufficient time periods without seeing any significant improvements.
Conventional antidepressants target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems, while ketamine works a little differently. Here’s how:
These mechanisms help explain why ketamine can work quickly when other treatments fail. By temporarily disrupting established neural patterns and promoting new connections, ketamine may essentially reboot certain brain circuits involved in mood regulation.
Ketamine does have the potential for misuse; however, because it doesn’t activate the same reward pathways as highly addictive substances like opioids, compulsive use is less likely. Additionally, when used for mental health treatment, doses are lower than those used recreationally, and treatment programs include monitoring and screening for safety.
That said, individuals with a history of substance use disorders may have increased vulnerability to developing a problematic relationship with ketamine.
Before starting ketamine therapy, you’ll need a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to review your medical and psychiatric history, current medications, and treatment goals. Based on the information gathered during this appointment, your doctor will then create a customized treatment plan.
Ketamine treatment usually involves several sessions spread out over a few weeks, but this can vary depending on your provider. Your doctor may also recommend including psychotherapy to your treatment so you can get the most benefit.
Since ketamine therapy can alter your state of consciousness, it’s important to mentally and physically prepare yourself before each session. Here’s how:
Not only will being prepared make the experience more pleasant, but it will also set you up to reap the benefits from treatment. In a recent study, researchers exposed patients receiving ketamine therapy to positive conditioning (e.g., pairing positive words with photos of the patient or smiling strangers) and found that they continued to report a decrease in the severity of their depression symptoms up to one month after treatment. This confirms the promotion of neural plasticity.
During a ketamine treatment session, patients will relax in a reclining chair in a calm environment with eye shades and gentle music. These sessions usually last from 40 minutes up to an hour and may result in:
While these effects are normal, medical staff are on standby monitoring vital signs and psychological responses. Interestingly, research suggests that dissociative effects experienced during treatment may actually predict better antidepressant responses. This means the altered consciousness state that ketamine produces might be connected to its therapeutic benefits.
Even though it’s still being researched, ketamine therapy has already shown to have several benefits:
While promising, ketamine therapy isn’t without risks. Potential side effects include:
Less common but more serious risks include:
It’s important to note that ketamine is not FDA-approved for psychiatric disorders (except for Spravato/esketamine for treatment-resistant depression), and many insurers consider it experimental, which may affect coverage.
We understand the frustration of trying treatment after treatment for your mental health without finding any success. Our team of mental health specialists at Cura Behavioral Health is dedicated to helping you explore all available options for your situation, even if you think you’ve tried everything. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Study models how ketamine’s molecular action leads to its effects on the brain – MIT
The brain on ketamine – The Harvard Gazette
Fast bursts of dopamine limit ketamine addiction – Nature
Looking at smiling faces extends the antidepressant effects of ketamine – University of Pittsburgh
Ketamine-Induced Dissociative Symptoms Predict Antidepressant Response – Psychiatry Advisor
Ketamine Shows Promise for Hard-to-Treat Depression in New Study – The New York Times
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? – Harvard Health Publishing
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
