Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Most conventional antidepressants (such as SSRIs) target serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Ketamine, on the other hand, affects the glutamate system, which plays a crucial role in neural plasticity and mood regulation.
Ketamine works by:
- Blocks NMDA receptors: Enhances glutamate activity and promotes neural connectivity.
- Increases synaptic plasticity: helps the brain form new pathways and recover from trauma.
- Boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): essential for brain health and function.
The result of this can be improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognitive function, often within a quick timeframe.
Discover more detailed information on how ketamine therapy works.
What Conditions Can Ketamine Therapy Treat?
Ketamine therapy is still being researched and trialled with the hopes of it being rolled out as a treatment option on a wider scale. However, in the UK, clinics are able to use this form of treatment for a wide range of mental health and chronic pain conditions, including:
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Traditional antidepressants don’t work for everyone. In fact, up to 30% of people with depression don’t respond to SSRIs or other common medications. Ketamine has been found to offer rapid relief in cases where other treatments have failed.
Anxiety Disorders
For those with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), ketamine therapy may provide significant relief. The fast-acting nature of ketamine makes it especially useful for people who have not benefited from traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can be debilitating, and many individuals find conventional treatments ineffective. Ketamine therapy has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly when combined with psychotherapy.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Early studies suggest that ketamine can help interrupt obsessive thought patterns and compulsive behaviours, offering a new option for individuals with OCD.
Chronic Pain Conditions
In addition to its mental health benefits, ketamine is also used for chronic pain management, particularly in conditions like:
- Fibromyalgia.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
- Neuropathic pain.
What Happens During a Ketamine Therapy Session?
Ketamine therapy is typically administered through intravenous (IV) infusion, which is the most common and effective method. The ketamine is delivered via a drip during the session, allowing for controlled dosing. Other administration methods include:
- Intramuscular (IM) injection: A quicker method of administration but offers less precise dosing compared to IV infusion.
- Esketamine nasal spray: A more accessible option that is prescribed in some clinics and administered under supervision.
- Sublingual ketamine: This form dissolves under the tongue and is used in some at-home treatment protocols, providing more convenience but potentially less consistent dosing.
During the session, patients are closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure their safety. Many patients report experiencing feelings of relaxation, altered perception, or even mild dissociation. These effects can facilitate deep therapeutic introspection, allowing patients to gain new perspectives on their emotions and thought processes.
Psychotherapy Element in KAP
One of the key components of ketamine therapy is its integration with psychotherapy, often referred to as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). While the ketamine experience can induce an altered state of consciousness, it is the therapeutic work done alongside it that truly enhances its benefits.
In KAP, a trained therapist guides the patient through the experience, helping them process emotions, confront trauma, or gain insight into personal challenges. The dissociative state induced by ketamine can make it easier for patients to access deeply buried memories or emotions, often enabling breakthroughs in therapy that might be difficult to achieve through traditional talk therapy alone.
The combination of the ketamine experience and psychotherapy allows patients to work through complex mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more, in a safe, controlled environment. The therapy can offer profound emotional healing, often leading to lasting improvements in mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being.
Related Article: Understanding the Psychiatric Element of Ketamine Therapy
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Yes, ketamine therapy is safe when administered in a controlled medical setting.
At clinics like Eulas in Scotland, ketamine therapy is delivered under strict medical supervision, ensuring patient safety and the best possible outcomes.
Yes, ketamine therapy is generally considered safe when administered in a controlled medical setting under proper medical supervision.
Several studies support the safety and efficacy of ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression:
- A randomised, double-blind, active, placebo-controlled study published in Nature found that repeated ketamine infusions showed greater antidepressant efficacy compared to midazolam (an active placebo) after five infusions.
- A 2023 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated that adequately dosed subcutaneous racemic ketamine was efficacious and safe in treating treatment-resistant depression over a 4-week treatment period.
Ketamine therapy should only be administered in reputable clinics with stringent safety guidelines At clinics like Eulas, ketamine therapy is delivered under strict medical supervision by experienced psychotherapists and medical professionals, ensuring patient safety and the best possible outcomes.
