Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) is gaining recognition across the US to provide immediate relief to patients with treatment-resistant depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. KAT affects a number of different receptors in both the brain and body. It can support the growth of new neural connections and increase brain plasticity.
KAT can make it easier to process trauma, emotional distress and discover profound insights that influence your motivation and behaviors.
KAT sessions are provided under supervision and are very safe when administered correctly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering who is a good candidate for ketamine.
Who Makes A Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment is a revolutionary treatment supporting patients with treatment-resistant depression, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines or neuropathy.
Ketamine may not be provided as a first line of treatment, but studies show it provides immediate relief to patients with treatment-resistant depression. Individuals should speak with their mental health provider to review their medical history and find out if they are a good candidate for ketamine therapy.
Who Should Not Receive Ketamine Therapy?
Although safe, there are some individuals that should avoid ketamine therapy. A detailed medical history will be taken before the treatment of ketamine is administered, this is to evaluate previous treatments tried, physical or mental health problems that could prevent you from being a good candidate for treatment. Some individuals that should not receive ketamine therapy include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Older people with a history of dementia or cognitive problems
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Some patients with substance abuse disorders
- Individual with a history of high-blood pressure or cardiovascular problems
Factors to Consider For Ketamine Therapy Candidates
Before starting ketamine treatment, it will be necessary to have a discussion with a doctor or your licensed mental health provider. They can explain to you the process, what to expect during and after your treatment. When considering ketamine therapy, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
- Severity: KAT is used for treatment-resistant depression, OCD or chronic pain disorders that do not respond to other treatments.
- Previous treatment: If antidepressants, talk therapy and medication management hasn’t worked for you. KAT may be a great choice as a last line of relief.
- Medical history: Your provider should examine your medical history to roll out health problems that may prevent you from receiving the treatment. These could include substance abuse, neurological conditions, thyroid disorders, endocrine problems, cardiovascular issues or hormonal imbalances.
- Personal Goals: Before deciding whether you are a good candidate for ketamine your goals and personal preferences will be helpful to come up with so you can use the insights gained from your session to incorporate that into your daily life.
Thoughts When Considering Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy provides immediate relief unlike other forms of treatment such as antidepressants. It’s important to integrate insights from your session and incorporate them into your day to day habits.
Ketamine makes it easier to work through emotional distress. It provides insights that can teach you about your motivations, behavior, cognitions and experiences. During your ketamine session you may have profound insights about your life or the reason behind certain thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Integrating these into your life is an important part of the healing process.
Your mental health provider will follow up with you after your ketamine sessions as a “check-in” to see how your symptoms are, and if future sessions are necessary. Keeping a journal to track your mood and thoughts that occur throughout the day is recommended to monitor your progress.
Possible Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
Although ketamine is safe when administered under supervision, there are a number of potential side effects that could occur during or briefly after your session.
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Flushing of the skin or sweating
Remember that Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment is not for everyone and should always be approved by a therapist.
Sources
Wu, H., Savalia, N. K., & Kwan, A. C. (2021). Ketamine for a Boost of Neural Plasticity: How, but Also When?. Biological psychiatry, 89(11), 1030–1032.
Mandal, S., Sinha, V. K., & Goyal, N. (2019). Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(5), 480–485.
