The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy You Should Know

Since the 1960s, the medical industry has used ketamine as a surgical anesthesia. Recently, mental health professionals have uncovered the benefits of ketamine therapy for treating depression and other disorders. Explore the effects of ketamine therapy to see how this treatment can improve the quality of life for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions.

A patient receiving an IV treatment from a medical professional, illustrating the benefits of ketamine therapy for mental health

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Understanding Ketamine Therapy

Developed in 1962, ketamine first entered the medical industry as an anesthetic. After receiving FDA approval in the 1970s, it was used to help reduce pain during battlefield surgeries in the Vietnam War.

However, the 1970s and ’80s also saw an increase in illicit ketamine use, solidifying it as a party drug. In response, the U.S. government declared ketamine a federally controlled substance in 1999. The drug’s use as an anesthetic decreased after this ruling, especially as morphine became a more popular choice for medical pain relief.

Interest in ketamine reignited in the 2000s as medical professionals began studying its ability to alleviate depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Ketamine infusion therapy has helped treat various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite this popularity, the nasal spray form of ketamine is the only FDA-approved version to treat mental health issues.

How It Works

Due to its fast-acting effects, ketamine provides rapid relief for depression symptoms. The drug targets and binds to NMDA receptors in the brain and helps develop new neural pathways to encourage more effective communication between neurons. It also changes how the brain experiences inflammation, reducing the effects of mood disorders.

Although ketamine causes antidepressant effects on the brain, it works differently than traditional antidepressants. Ketamine is typically administered intravenously, meaning the procedure must take place in a medical facility, and it causes rapid effects. Meanwhile, antidepressants come in pill form and can take several weeks or months to start working.

The Key Benefits of Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine therapy benefits individuals with major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions in several ways.

Rapid Relief From Depression

Ketamine offers rapid relief from severe depression compared to traditional treatments. A 2019 study reveals that participants displayed significant improvement in depression after only one ketamine dose. Conventional antidepressants often take 4 to 12 weeks to improve symptoms.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Ketamine treatment benefits patients with depression who haven’t responded to other treatments. In a 2016 study, 67 individuals with treatment-resistant depression received two or three doses of ketamine per week over 15 days. By the end of the study, they showed significant improvement in symptoms.

Reduction of Suicidal Thoughts

According to a 2020 study, a single infusion of ketamine can reduce suicidal thoughts for up to 72 hours. This rapid relief can prevent these troublesome thoughts from interfering with a person’s ability to work, maintain social relationships or perform other daily tasks.

A thoughtful man sitting on a couch, reflecting on depression treatment options, including alternative therapies like ketamine

Anxiety and PTSD

Ketamine shows promising results in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. Additionally, it benefits individuals with PTSD. One study reveals ketamine treatment helped alleviate short-term symptoms of PTSD in several cases, showing similar results to using the drug to treat depression.

Chronic Pain Management

Medical professionals have used ketamine to treat a range of chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome. The drug is typically prescribed for severe pain when patients don’t respond to standard opioid analgesics.

Improved Neuroplasticity

One of the key ways ketamine works to reduce symptoms is by enhancing the brain’s neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and grow new neural connections. Improving neuroplasticity helps individuals react more positively to stressful or negative situations.

Reduction in Substance Abuse Cravings

Ketamine therapy can help reduce drug or alcohol cravings. Additionally, the drug’s antidepressant effects can alleviate stress and other negative emotions that trigger substance use, decreasing the risk of relapse. These benefits combined make it a valuable tool in addiction treatment.

Safety and Considerations

Despite the benefits of ketamine therapy, this treatment isn’t for everyone. Consider the following potential safety concerns.

Potential Side Effects

Ketamine infusion therapy can cause a range of physical and psychological side effects, including:

Dissociation or out-of-body experiences
Visual and auditory hallucinations
Nausea or vomiting
High blood pressure
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Fatigue or drowsiness

Most symptoms resolve within 24 hours. Your health care provider may suggest staying at the treatment center for monitoring until side effects subside.

Who Should Consider Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine works best for those struggling with treatment-resistant conditions or seeking rapid relief from severe symptoms. Individuals may consider ketamine therapy if they experience:

Treatment-resistant depression
Severe suicidal ideation
Chronic pain conditions
Severe anxiety or PTSD
Drug or alcohol cravings in the early stages of addiction recovery

Contraindications and Precautions

Ketamine infusion therapy may not be an appropriate treatment option if you struggle with:

Psychosis due to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
A heart condition
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Liver or kidney disease
A history of recreational drug abuse

Ketamine may worsen psychotic conditions. Additionally, individuals may face complications, such as a failure to metabolize ketamine properly, if they receive treatment for certain health conditions. Those with a history of substance abuse are also at risk of developing ketamine dependence.

A doctor discussing treatment plans with a patient, highlighting the importance of innovative mental health solutions

Ketamine Therapy at Camelback Recovery

What are the benefits of ketamine therapy for you? At Camelback Recovery, a leading mental health clinic and addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, we offer ketamine infusion therapy tailored to your specific needs and condition.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Each individual receives a personalized treatment plan outlining their diagnosis, recommended ketamine dosage and expected treatment outcomes. Additionally, we connect patients with mental health and addiction services, such as therapy, life coaching, stress management and psychiatric care, for a comprehensive, integrated treatment approach.

Expert Team and Supportive Environment

Our health care providers hold a variety of professional credentials in mental health and addiction treatment to provide the highest level of care. Their vast expertise and passion for helping others create a supportive environment focused on compassion, empathy and peace to aid patients through recovery.