Ketamine is a dissociative psychedelic that has surged in popularity in both recreational and therapeutic settings. Ketamine has been used in hospitals and veterinary clinics as a tranquilizer. It’s also abused recreationally, often referred to on the street as “special K.”
Under medical supervision, ketamine can be safe and effective in treating depression and helping control chronic pain. However, not everyone is a good candidate. However, patients who struggle with severe depression or who have emotional or memory blocks from trauma and have tried other first lines of treatment may benefit significantly from ketamine.
Read on to learn if you are a good candidate and could benefit from ketamine-assisted therapy.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a growing, innovative therapy using the dissociative anesthetic ketamine to produce a fast antidepressant effect. It affects receptors in key brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are responsible for motivation, emotional regulation, reward processing, and memory.
According to the University of Michigan Medical Center, ketamine therapy has a success rate of over 52% especially in patients where previous treatment failed. It is administered over a few sessions, with many patients reporting symptom relief after just one or two [1].
Ketamine can be administered through IV infusions, lozenges, and intramuscular injections. Unlike typical antidepressants, which often take a few weeks or even months for noticeable improvement, ketamine often provides immediate relief of symptoms.
Common Uses
Ketamine is used for other medical reasons besides depression, especially in emergency and surgical settings. Some of the common uses of ketamine include:
- Pre or post-surgery anesthesia
- Neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
Is Ketamine Legal?
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance and is legally used in medical settings. It was FDA-approved in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression and is also legally used off-label for conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain [2]. Clinics that administer ketamine treatments must have a licensed healthcare provider overseeing the treatment and follow strict protocols.
However, the recreational use of ketamine is illegal in all US states.
Signs You May Be a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
It’s important to remember that ketamine is not a first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. It’s used when other, ongoing treatments such as therapy and medication have not been effective.
Your mental health professional or primary care doctor can help decide if you meet the criteria to be a candidate for treatment. Signs you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy include:
- You are 18 and older with treatment-resistant depression who has not responded well to at least two other treatments for depression.
- You struggle with PTSD, anxiety, OCD, or severe suicidal ideation and have tried standard treatments with no success.
- You are medically cleared to receive ketamine (with no cardiovascular or neurological disorders).
- You have memory or emotional blocks from trauma or stress. Under ketamine, you can bypass certain regions of the brain and access trapped emotions [3].
- You can provide informed consent, are willing to engage in the treatment plan, and have support to drive you to and from your appointment.
Who Should Avoid Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is generally considered safe with little to minimal side effects, even for those struggling with thoughts of suicide. However, there are certain groups of people who should avoid ketamine therapy. You may not be a good candidate for ketamine treatment if:
- You have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia
- You have a history of substance abuse or are in active addiction
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Teenagers and older adults should speak with their doctor on a case-by-case basis
Next Steps for Considering Ketamine Therapy
Before your ketamine session, you will need to be approved for treatment by a doctor or licensed mental health provider. They will explain the process, how to prepare for treatment, and what to expect afterwards.
A few of the factors that our medical team here at Maple Mountain takes into account when deciding if you are an ideal candidate for ketamine include:
- Mental Health Status and Severity: Ketamine is for moderate to severe mental health challenges such as depression, OCD, and suicidal ideation. Those with mild to moderate depression may benefit more from a combination of antidepressants, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Other Treatment Tried: This is not a first-line treatment for depression. It is used for severe, long-term, treatment-resistant mental health problems where two or more other treatments have already been tried.
- Health History: Your provider will make sure you don’t have any preexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, heart problems, or hormonal issues, to ensure there are no complications to your physical health.
- Age: We only offer ketamine treatment to adults 18 and older. Elder adults with a history of dementia or cognitive problems are often not eligible to receive ketamine.
Ketamine Assisted Therapy at Maple Mountain Wellness
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, our compassionate team of clinical psychiatrists and experienced therapists provides evidence-based, FDA-approved ketamine therapy. Our licensed medical team prioritizes your well-being and safety throughout the entire process.
Through a holistic, blended approach, we address each aspect of your health and recovery needs to support long-term healing. Reach out to see if you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy today. Contact our admissions team.
Sources
[1] Gavin, K. 2024. Ketamine’s promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain. Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan.
[2] Grinspoon, P. 2024. Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? Harvard Medical School.
[3] Zarate, C. et al. (2019). Effects of Ketamine on Brain Activity During Emotional Processing: Differential Findings in Depressed Versus Healthy Control Participants. Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, 4(7), 610–618.