Ketamine was initially developed in the 1960s as an anaesthetic for surgery, but its therapeutic potential for mental health disorders has only recently gained attention.
At low and controlled doses, ketamine can produce significant mental and emotional shifts, making it a valuable tool in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety. So, unlike high doses used in medical settings that induce dissociative experiences – therapeutic doses are much (much) lower, promoting purely emotional healing and insight.
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic. The form most commonly used in therapy is called esketamine, which is an approved treatment avenue for those living with treatment-resistant depression in the UK. Intravenous (IV) infusions are also widely used in safe and controlled clinical settings for similar purposes.
How Does Ketamine Affect the Brain in Treating Depression and Anxiety?
To understand ketamine’s effectiveness, we’ll need to explore its effects on brain chemistry.
Traditional antidepressants target serotonin or norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation. These medications can take weeks or months to work – and for some individuals, they never fully relieve symptoms.
Ketamine works differently by influencing a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity. This is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise itself. This unique mechanism allows ketamine to stimulate the formation of new neural connections, which can lead to rapid improvements in mood and emotional processing.
Key Effects of Psychedelic Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
Psychedelic therapy treatment has shown real promise in treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This innovative approach can offer relief to individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments.
Below you’ll find some of the key effects that make psychedelic therapy an exciting option for those struggling with these conditions:
- Neuroplasticity: Ketamine promotes the growth of new synaptic connections, which enhances the brain’s ability to adapt to stress and depressive thought patterns.
- Glutamate modulation: By acting on glutamate, ketamine helps regulate brain areas overactive in depression and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Emerging research suggests that inflammation in the brain may contribute to depression. Ketamine’s anti-inflammatory effects may further enhance its therapeutic potential.
- Dissociation & perspective shifts: At therapeutic doses, ketamine induces a mild dissociative state, helping patients step outside their habitual negative thought patterns and gain new emotional insights.
Psychedelic Therapy: An Overview of the Process
Initial Assessment
Before beginning treatment, people will typically undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether psychedelic therapy is appropriate for their mental health needs. This involves a thorough review of the individual’s medical history, current medications, and the severity of the condition.
Setting the Intention
Before each session, the patient and therapist work together to set an intention, guiding the focus of the therapy. This intention could range from gaining clarity on a specific emotional issue to simply finding relief from persistent depressive symptoms.
The Psychedelic Therapy Session
Ketamine is administered intravenously or as a nasal spray in a relaxed, therapeutic setting. The effects typically begin within minutes and last anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours. Patients may experience mild dissociation, calmness, or emotional insights that allow them to view their mental health challenges from a new perspective.
Integration Therapy
After each ketamine session, patients undergo psychotherapy to process and integrate any emotional insights or breakthroughs that occurred during the treatment. This integration phase is essential for turning temporary insights into long-lasting changes in thinking and behaviour.
Follow-up and Ongoing Care
Most people require multiple sessions to achieve lasting results. After the initial treatment phase, some individuals continue with periodic maintenance sessions, depending on their needs and how they’ve responded to this treatment option.
Is Psychedelic Therapy Effective for Treating Anxiety?
We know that psychedelic therapy is used for treatment resistant depression – but what about anxiety?
The answer is that when it comes to anxiety disorders, this treatment alternative has been found to be particularly beneficial in cases where traditional treatments have failed. The calming effects of these sessions can help reduce persistent worry and fear overtime, which are feelings often associated with anxiety.
By targeting brain areas responsible for excessive fear responses, people are able to feel and experience relief from anxiety symptoms in a relatively short time.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
This form of therapy has to be administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision, and there are no exceptions to this. However, within these environments, the benefits of this treatment often outweigh the potential side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. Some common effects include:
- Dissociation: Mild dissociation can be a therapeutic aspect of ketamine treatment, helping patients gain new perspectives. While some may find this sensation unfamiliar or unusual, it is typically well-tolerated and short-lived.
- Nausea & dizziness: These symptoms may occur during or shortly after a session, but they usually fade quickly and can be managed with pre-treatment medications.
- Mental fog: Some patients report feeling mentally foggy or confused immediately after treatment, though this generally goes away within a few hours.
How Many Sessions of Ketamine Therapy Are Needed for Depression and Anxiety?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.
Typically, a series of six sessions is recommended over the course of several weeks, followed by integration therapy and ongoing psychotherapy. Maintenance sessions may be scheduled as needed to sustain the therapeutic benefits.
Is Psychedelic Therapy the Future of Treating Depression and Anxiety?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is definitely paving the way for a new approach to mental health treatment, especially for those who have struggled with traditional methods.
As research progresses, ketamine may also show potential in treating other conditions, such as chronic pain and substance abuse. In fact, many studies,including research conducted by the NHS, have found this treatment to be one of the most effective paths (70% success rate) for overcoming symptoms associated with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Additionally, combining ketamine with mindfulness practices and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could further enhance its effectiveness.
How Psychedelic Therapy Help Treat Depression and Anxiety: The Key Takeaways
Ketamine-assisted therapy offers an encouraging and effective alternative for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
By combining the rapid-acting neurochemical benefits of ketamine with psychotherapy, patients can experience true emotional healing. So, if you’re considering psychedelic therapy treatment options, it’s essential to work with a trusted provider and approach the treatment with clear intentions and an open mind.