Who Is Eligible for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment option here in the UK, and it has shown promising results for a range of mental health conditions.
At Eulas Clinics, based in Scotland and London, we provide access to this innovative therapy in a safe, controlled environment. But who exactly is eligible for ketamine therapy? Is it right for you or someone you know?
In this article, we’re going to be exploring the key factors that determine current eligibility for ketamine therapy, how it works, and why it may be an effective option for certain people.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Before we look at eligibility, it’s important to understand what ketamine therapy is and how it works.
Ketamine is not a new invention, and it’s actually been used in medical practice for decades. More recently, though, it has gained attention as a potential treatment for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain management and more.
At Eulas, we administer ketamine in carefully controlled doses under medical supervision to help patients manage these conditions, as part of a wider psychotherapy programme. This is known as ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
Ketamine works very differently from traditional antidepressants. It targets specific receptors in the brain that regulate mood and cognitive function. By enhancing neuroplasticity, ketamine helps to ‘reset’ the brain and how it responds to stress, trauma, or negative thought patterns, and it can often lead to very significant improvements in mood and well-being.
Now, let’s explore who is eligible for this treatment.
Mental Health Conditions Treated with Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions. Although adoption of this treatment has been slower in the UK, other countries have seen a more rapid expansion of ketamine therapy services, offering patients access to alternative treatment options for their mental health needs.
Some of the most common conditions treated include:
Depression
Ketamine has proven to be especially beneficial for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means that traditional antidepressants or psychotherapy have not provided the desired relief. Ketamine’s rapid effects can provide much-needed respite, especially for those experiencing severe, debilitating symptoms of depression.
Anxiety Disorders
For those suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, or panic attacks, ketamine can help alleviate symptoms when other treatments have failed. Ketamine works quickly, often providing relief within hours of the first session.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is another condition where ketamine therapy can be highly effective. By addressing the brain’s response to trauma, ketamine helps individuals manage the emotional and psychological aftereffects of trauma, making it easier to cope with everyday life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD often involves intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts and compulsions. Ketamine therapy can help reduce the intensity and frequency of these thoughts, leading to better overall functioning and quality of life.
Research into how effective ketamine therapy is for OCD is still ongoing, with more clarification needed in this area to determine overall effectiveness.
Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
Though primarily known for its mental health benefits, ketamine has also been used to treat chronic pain, particularly in conditions like fibromyalgia. Ketamine’s ability to reset pain pathways can provide significant relief for patients with chronic pain syndromes.
Who Is Eligible for Ketamine Therapy?
Unfortunately, although ketamine therapy is a viable and effective option for many individuals, it is sadly not suitable for everyone.
Several factors are considered to determine eligibility, including:
- Medical history
- Mental health status
- Current medications
We’ve outlined the key considerations for individuals interested in ketamine therapy.
Your Current Mental Health Diagnosis
As mentioned, ketamine therapy is primarily used for individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as (for example) depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions and have not found relief through traditional treatments, ketamine therapy may be an option.
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD): Those with severe or long-standing depression who have not responded to antidepressants or psychotherapy are strong candidates for ketamine therapy.
- Anxiety and PTSD: Ketamine is often recommended for people with anxiety disorders or PTSD, especially when other therapies (like cognitive-behavioural therapy) have proven ineffective.
Undergoing a Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation
Before beginning treatment, patients at Eulas Clinics undergo a thorough mental health evaluation. This helps our medical team understand the severity of the condition and determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for you.
During this evaluation, you will be asked about:
- The history of your mental health issues.
- Any previous treatments you’ve tried.
- Current medications and therapy approaches.
- Lifestyle factors that may impact treatment.
Your Medical History and Physical Health
Your overall physical health is another critical factor in determining eligibility.
Ketamine therapy is generally safe when administered under professional supervision, but certain medical conditions may require additional consideration or make ketamine therapy less appropriate.
- If you have cardiovascular issues: Ketamine can increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues, your medical team will assess whether ketamine therapy is safe for you.
- Your liver and kidney function: Ketamine is metabolised by the liver and excreted through our kidneys. So, if you have a liver or kidney condition, you may recommend additional tests to ensure that ketamine can be safely administered.
- If you have a substance abuse history: People with a history of substance abuse can sometimes be deemed ineligible for ketamine therapy. Although ketamine is used in clinical trials (with astounding results) and researched as a treatment for specific substance use disorders, such as alcohol or drug addiction, the UK is currently proceeding with caution as it’s being trialled on a treatment for alcoholism, which is separate. So, a history of substance abuse can be a significant contraindication unless the treatment is aimed explicitly at addiction within a specialised or research-focused setting, for now.
Medication Considerations
Before starting ketamine therapy, medications you are currently taking will need to be disclosed. Some medications may interact with ketamine, and common examples include:
- Some antidepressant medications
- Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications like Valium, Xanax)
- Antipsychotic medications
- Stimulants
If you’re on any of these medication types, our team will work closely with you to develop a plan that ensures the safe integration of ketamine therapy with your current treatment regimen. In some cases, adjustments to your medication may be necessary to optimise the effectiveness of ketamine.
Psychological Readiness
Ketamine therapy can produce very significant changes in mood and thought patterns. This process can sometimes mean bringing up difficult emotions or memories, especially for those with trauma histories. So, because of this, it’s important to be mentally prepared for the emotional intensity of treatment.
At Eulas, for example, we provide a supportive environment where our experienced therapists guide patients through the therapeutic process, ensuring that you’re ready for what lies ahead.
When Ketamine Therapy Might Not Be the Right Option
Although ketamine therapy can benefit many individuals, there are situations where it may not be appropriate. These include (but are not limited to):
- Active psychosis or schizophrenia: Ketamine can worsen symptoms in individuals with psychotic disorders.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions: If you have serious medical conditions that are not under control, such as severe heart disease, uncontrolled epilepsy, or liver failure, ketamine may not be a suitable option.
- Pregnancy: Ketamine therapy is not recommended during pregnancy or when breastfeeding due to the risk to the child.
In such cases, our medical team may recommend alternative therapies.
So, Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine therapy is a very exciting and effective treatment for those struggling with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. And as you’ll now be aware, eligibility does depend on several factors.
At Eulas Clinics, we take a personalised, patient-centred approach to ensure that ketamine therapy is safe and effective for you. Our team of professionals will work closely with you to determine the best course of action based on your individual needs.
If you think ketamine therapy may be the right option for you, reach out to us for a consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you determine if ketamine is right for you.