Living with mental health issues and illnesses can be extremely difficult.
It can feel isolating and seem impossible to cope with everything. The good thing is that many different medications and treatments are available on the market for mental illness. An “off-label” treatment that is currently making headway is ketamine.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical settings for surgical procedures and pain management. In recent years, researchers have explored its potential benefits for mental health treatment, particularly when other conventional treatments have proven ineffective.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or ketamine-assisted treatment, is a medical approach that utilizes the anesthetic medication ketamine to help manage various mental health conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It’s important to note that ketamine cannot be administered just anywhere. Ketamine therapy typically involves controlled administration in a clinical setting, often under the supervision of a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist or an anesthesiologist.
The therapy can be administered through various methods, including intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions, intramuscular injections, lozenges, or even as a nasal spray.
What are the Effects of Ketamine Therapy?
There is a long history of positive drug use.
Indigenous cultures recognized the potential of mystical experiences to produce rapid and profound changes in mood, behavior, and consciousness. They used this in their shamanic rituals and other healing practices. In the 1950s, 40,000 North American patients were studied extensively to determine if psychedelics could be used safely for treating behavioral disorders.
Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for patients with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and end-of-life distress. Patients with chronic pain, alcohol or drug problems, and many other conditions could also benefit from ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy.
During a ketamine therapy session, a patient might experience various effects, including altered perception, relaxation, and sometimes dissociation. These effects are often temporary and wear off after the ketamine’s effects diminish.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that the effects of ketamine on mental health conditions are not fully understood; however, research suggests that ketamine may help by influencing the brain’s glutamate system, which is involved in mood regulation and cognitive function. Ketamine may also stimulate the growth of new neural connections and promote neuroplasticity.
New Neural-Pathways
Although the full effects of ketamine therapy are still being studied, there is a belief that ketamine can stimulate the regrowth of synapses.
Synapses are connections between neurons in the brain, and ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist.
What does this mean? Ketamine is broken down into several metabolites; as it does this, it blocks the activity of glutamate neurotransmitter at the n-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. This activity causes a cascade of events to occur in your neurons. One of these is the increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF).
BDNF, a protein, is involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons. It’s important because it promotes neuroplasticity, which means adaptive structural and functional changes to the brain. Ketamine, aided by BDNF in particular, appears to promote synaptogenesis, especially in areas of the brain such as the medial cortex and the hippocampus.
This counteracts the atrophy of dendritic fibers and the loss of axons associated with chronic depression and stress. Basically, this whole process means ketamine essentially rewires the brain. And this is how many individuals find relief from their mental health problems.
How Long Does Ketamine Last?
Typically, normal antidepressants can take several weeks to relieve depression.
On the other hand, ketamine therapy provides immediate relief, but its full effects often fade within a week. To alleviate symptoms, patients may require a series of intermittent treatment schedules.
Are there any Negative Side Effects or Symptoms?
Ketamine therapy has a few common, normal symptoms and will generally go away after a few hours. Some of these symptoms include:
- An elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Changes to vision
- Imbalance
What Can Be Expected from a Ketamine Therapy Session?
Ketamine therapy is usually administered in a series of sessions, with the exact number and frequency determined based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment. It’s important to note that ketamine therapy is still an evolving field, and its long-term efficacy and potential side effects are still being studied.
As with any medical treatment, ketamine therapy should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified medical professional in a controlled and monitored environment. It’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ketamine therapy with a healthcare provider before considering this treatment option.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Determining who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy really depends on the individual. For example, if you have preexisting conditions, such as high blood pressure, ketamine might not be right for you.
To see if ketamine is right for you, it’s important to discuss it with your primary doctor, mental health provider, or other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Remember that ketamine therapy doesn’t work as a first option for treating mental illness. Usually, it’s used when other, more traditional treatments aren’t working. Also, ketamine isn’t going to necessarily cure anyone from depression or PTSD—it only improves symptoms temporarily.
The Impact of Ketamine Therapy
Untreated or uncontrolled depressive disorders can have a negative impact on your health and lead to many ailments that could affect your quality of life. Ketamine therapy is a powerful tool against depression and other mental health problems, giving you new hope for happier and healthier days to come.
In this journey of life, you are not alone. It’s vital to prioritize your mental health and get the help you need. If you or someone close to you is in a mental crisis, seek help immediately.
