The rates of depression are continuing to grow among all age groups, highlighting the need for more innovative, evidence-based treatments to target chronic cases. Ketamine therapy has been a game-changer for this over recent years, with a success rate of 60% to 70% for managing symptoms of severe depression [1].
Recently approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression, not everyone is a good candidate for ketamine therapy. Most ketamine providers require patients to be 18 and older and meet special criteria to ensure they can safely and effectively receive ketamine.
Read on to learn what the criteria are and if you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy.
Why Age Matters in Mental Health Treatment
Age matters in mental health treatment because it plays a role in brain development, physical health, and overall lifestyle. Most mental health disorders emerge between the ages of 14 and 24, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention.
And mental health treatments can often be tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group.
For example, teens often require mental health treatment that adapts to their quickly growing brains and social challenges with peers, school, or identity development. On the other hand, older adults (60+ years) may require mental health treatment that takes into account pre-existing medical conditions or a lack of social support [2][3].
| Differences in Age-Related Mental Health Care | Youth/Young Adults | Older Adults (60+ years) |
| Common Mental Health Issues | Anxiety, depression, trauma, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse | Depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline |
| Therapeutic Preferences | Group therapy, trauma-informed care, expressive therapies, or recreational activities | Individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication management |
| Barriers to Care | Lack of access to care, cost, social pressures, or lack of time to prioritize mental health | Physical health issues or lack of mobility, lack of family or social support, isolation, stigma around mental health |
| Response to Treatment | Varying responses to therapy, higher dropout rates than older adults | Lower dropout rates, higher response to therapy |
| Supportive Needs | Early intervention, peer support, family involvement, job or education training | Social engagement, coordinated medical care |
Is There a Minimum Age for Ketamine Therapy?
Most ketamine clinics require patients to be at least 18 years old for ketamine therapy, as FDA-approved forms of ketamine, such as Spravato, are labeled for adults 18+. However, some providers use ketamine “off-label” for teens 13 and older in special cases, such as when other treatments have not worked [4].
Ketamine for children under 13 is very rare and only used under strict pediatric settings as a form of sedation for specific medical procedures. There is no upper age limit for ketamine therapy, but older adults are evaluated closely to ensure no medical interactions occur. Younger or older age groups may need tailored monitoring to reduce the risk of physical health or medication interactions.
Medical Factors That Outweigh Age: What Disqualifies You from Ketamine Therapy?
There are certain medical factors that, regardless of age, eliminate an individual from meeting the criteria to be a good candidate for ketamine. If you suffer from any of the following medical conditions, ketamine may not be an ideal option for you.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Hypertension, recent heart attack, severe coronary artery disease, high blood pressure
- Active psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with a history of psychotic components (hallucinations, delusions)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Active substance abuse disorder
- Traumatic brain injury, intracranial pressure, and certain neurological disorders, such as seizures
- Liver failure or certain metabolic issues
- Previous allergic reactions to ketamine
Why Case-by-Case Evaluations Matter
Although age and previous medical history are two driving factors of whether you should receive ketamine therapy, it’s important that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by your mental health professional, primary care doctor, and healthcare provider administering ketamine.
There are several factors that are examined and taken into account, including medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, and previous treatments tried.
Medical History
The center providing your ketamine should take a detailed medical history to understand your liver function, heart health, neurological status, and any medications you are on. This helps them decide if you are a good candidate for ketamine and prevents any serious adverse effects from occurring.
Psychiatric Diagnosis
Some mental health conditions respond better to ketamine, and not everyone who struggles with a mental health disorder is a candidate. Ketamine is most often used to help severe depression, where two other treatments have already been tried. Individuals with chronic PTSD and anxiety have also reported success from ketamine therapy sessions.
Previous Treatment Tried
Ketamine is not a first line of treatment for mental health challenges or chronic pain, and requires individuals to have tried a minimum of two treatments previously. Many ketamine patients have already spent years in a combination of typical therapy and trying standard medications, such as antidepressants, before receiving ketamine therapy.
Risk of Substance Abuse
Patients with active or past substance abuse disorders often require special consideration and monitoring to prevent dependence on ketamine. It has a high abuse potential and can lead to addiction for those who are already at risk.
Mental Health Support
Some providers only offer ketamine to patients who have a support system or are actively taking the steps to improve their quality of life. Each clinic has its own set of criteria, so, for example, many providers often require the presence of a loved one who can provide transportation to and from ketamine sessions. This can greatly increase safety both during and after treatment, and also improve the treatment outcomes of long-term recovery.
Goals, Expectations, and Follow-Up
It’s important to understand what your goals are for treatment and set realistic expectations with your provider. Before the start of your session, feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns or potential ketamine therapy side effects with your provider.
After your initial ketamine sessions, follow-up care is often required to check for side effects and ensure you’re responding effectively to treatment. Case-by-case evaluations ensure personalized and safe ketamine treatment, without relying on broad criteria such as age or medical diagnosis.
A Personalized Approach to Ketamine Assisted Therapy at Maple Mountain
If you’ve already tried conventional methods of mental health treatment with no relief, ketamine may be a good option for you. At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, we offer ketamine therapy in Utah to target treatment-resistant depression.
Through a holistic, blended approach, we address each aspect of your health and recovery needs to support long-term healing. Contact our admissions team to learn if you are a good candidate for ketamine assisted therapy today.
Sources
[1] Goyal, N. (2019). Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(5), 480–485.
[2] Fusar-Poli P. (2019). Integrated Mental Health Services for the Developmental Period (0 to 25 Years): A Critical Review of the Evidence. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 355.
[3] Pilling, S., & NCEL network (2021). Older adults respond better to psychological therapy than working-age adults: evidence from a large sample of mental health service attendees. Journal of Affective Disorders, 294, 85–93.
[4] Miller, C. 2024. Ketamine Treatment for Depression. Child Mind Institute.