What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine was discovered in the 1960s. Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic and a sedative in both adults and children for five decades, having been approved for such usage by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970.

Recently, a growing body of evidence suggests ketamine, at doses lower than those used for anesthesia, has a number of benefits for various health conditions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, pain conditions, and in particular, depression. Ketamine infusion has been shown to improve depressive symptoms, such as anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) and suicidal thoughts, sometimes within hours. Nevertheless, not every patient will respond favorably to the treatment and there is a risk of relapse.

Many who have taken low doses of ketamine report experiencing generally pleasant feelings, like feeling relaxed and detached. These psychological states might directly change the brain pathways involved in mental illness. They may facilitate psychotherapy as well.

How does ketamine work?

Ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects through a distinct mechanism of action that differs from standard treatment options. It is believed that ketamine exerts its antidepressant effect by improving neuronal growth and connectivity as well as increasing a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

BDNF supports neuronal growth and connectivity and it is hypothesized that those with lower BDNF levels are at greater risk for depressive disorders. Genetic testing can be utilized to determine whether your BDNF levels are deficient.

ketamine also exerts its action by acting on “ NMDA” and “ AMPA” receptor systems, which helps neurons communicate with each other along new pathways. Known as” synaptogenesis” and synaptic plasticity, this process positively affects mood, thought patterns, and cognition. This is a long term effect that can actually change the disease process underlying depressive disorders. Whereas standard conventional medications work to controlling existing symptoms. It is hypothesized that ketamine can improve the long term projection of depression and thereby bring about a long-lasting change.

Esketamine and Ketamine for Depression and Suicidality

If a person responds to ketamine, it can rapidly reduce suicidality (life-threatening thoughts and
acts) and relieve other serious symptoms of depression. Other treatments for suicidal thoughts and depression often take weeks or even months to take effect, and some people need to try several medications or approaches to gain relief. This is true for talk therapies, antidepressant medicines, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).