Ketamine is an FDA-approved drug for general anesthetic use. However, doctors sometimes prescribe it for "off-label" services, such as managing depression. While it has been a helpful drug for some, others call it out for its potential capacity to worsen psychotic symptoms.
Is Ketamine a Trigger of Psychosis or Mental Health?
In the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, ketamine use was linked to substance use disorders. But the survey doesn't provide any data regarding ketamine as a potential trigger for mental illness.
Why Some Doctors Prescribe Ketamine for Depression
Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic. It acts on the brain similarly to a hallucinogen to produce a state that departs from reality.
Dissociative anesthetics like ketamine interfere with neurotransmitters and neural pathways involved in memory storage. It enables patients to undergo surgery without the pain that comes with it. That also benefits users suffering from depression.
A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found positive results among the small group of depressed patients that received ketamine infusions. However, the study is not conclusive.
In another study, researcher Jolien K. E. Veraart and colleagues included nine reports of pilot studies and care reports with 41 total patients. Their study's gathered data suggested that short-term ketamine treatment for depression and other negative symptoms among patients with a history of psychosis was generally safe and effective. Some of the patients experienced only mild and self-limiting side effects.
After ketamine was administered for the participants' depression, they did not witness any psychotic exacerbation during the entire observation. They even noticed some improvement or withdrawal of some considered comorbid psychotic symptoms among the patients.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a new treatment for depression that has gained traction among the medical community. Through ketamine therapy, medical providers administer minimal doses of ketamine to patients suffering from depression. This treatment aims to decrease symptoms of depression and allow the patient to experience significant relief from their symptoms for a more extended period.
Ketamine therapy is being offered in medical facilities across the country and is run by medical professionals specially trained in the use of ketamine. It is a relatively new treatment and is not yet available at all medical facilities. If you are interested in ketamine therapy, it is recommended that you schedule a phone consult with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman and determine if you are a good candidate.
Ketamine therapy is not a cure all and the effects can wear off quickly for some. The integration and/or therapy in conjunction with ketamine can help to provide more sustainable results.
Patients in ketamine therapy frequently have a rapid onset of action, but some people will not see results until 3 or 4 treatments.
What to Keep in Mind
Ketamine is a safe drug, but when used recreationally or in unsafe settings it can be dangerous. If you wish to try ketamine therapy, be sure to only do it under the care of a licensed medical professional.
Conclusion
Ketamine may provide a way for physicians to help patients who suffer from depression and are not responding to traditional treatments. It has been effective in a small percentage of patients studied. However, any drug altering brain chemistry can have side effects, and ketamine is no exception. If you do decide to try ketamine therapy, be sure to do it under the care of a licensed medical professional.
Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman can help you safely transform your emotional pain and regain happiness with ketamine therapy. We conduct detailed medical intake and evaluation to determine the appropriateness of the procedure to our clients. Contact us today to book an appointment.