What is Low-Dose Ketamine Assisted Therapy?

Low-dose ketamine-assisted therapy is a treatment option that combines the use of ketamine, a medication traditionally used for anesthesia, with psychotherapy to help people with chronic, treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and trauma. In recent years, ketamine has gained recognition for its fast-acting antidepressant effects, especially in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments such as antidepressants or talk therapy.

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How does it work?

Ketamine works by affecting a neurotransmitter in the brain called glutamate, which is involved in mood regulation and neural connections. It helps to "reset" brain pathways that may have become dysfunctional due to long-term depression or trauma. The result is often a rapid improvement in mood, which can provide relief much quicker than traditional antidepressants (which may take weeks to show effects).

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In ketamine-assisted therapy, the medication is typically administered at a low dose via a sub-lingual lozenge. This low dose induces a state of relaxation and altered consciousness, where the individual may feel more open and able to process difficult emotions and memories during the therapeutic session. The effects of ketamine can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

Key Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Therapy:

• Rapid Relief from Depression: One of the major advantages of ketamine-assisted therapy is the speed of its effects. Many people experience a reduction in depressive symptoms within hours or days after the first session, compared to weeks with traditional antidepressants.
   

• Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Ketamine has shown promise for individuals who have not responded to other forms of treatment, such as antidepressants, therapy, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It provides an alternative for those who may feel stuck in their recovery process.
   

• Supports Emotional Processing: Ketamine creates an altered state of consciousness, often described as a "dissociative" or "out-of-body" experience. This can allow individuals to explore difficult emotions, memories, or trauma in a way that feels less overwhelming or triggering. It can enhance the therapeutic process by helping people gain new perspectives.
   

• Long-Lasting Effects: While ketamine's immediate effects wear off after a few hours, the antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits can last for days or weeks after treatment. With ongoing therapy sessions, it may help people make lasting changes in their mental health.

 

What to Expect in an Ketamine Assisted Therapy Session:

A typical ketamine-assisted therapy session involves several steps:

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1. Pre-Treatment Preparation: Before the session, the therapist will meet with the client to discuss their mental health history, set goals for the session, and ensure ketamine is a safe and appropriate treatment. It's important to have clear intentions for what the client hopes to explore during the session.
    

2. Administration of Ketamine: The ketamine is administered in a controlled medical environment. The onset of the drug's effects can be quick (within 5-15 minutes). During this time, clients may feel a sense of relaxation, dissociation (feeling detached from their body or surroundings), or mild euphoria.
    

3. Therapeutic Processing: As the ketamine takes effect, the therapist will guide the client through the experience. This might involve talking about emotions or memories, practicing mindfulness, or exploring how the body feels. Because ketamine reduces emotional defenses, clients may be more open to addressing deeply rooted trauma or emotional pain.
    

4. Post-Treatment Integration: After the ketamine wears off, there is typically a period of reflection and integration. The therapist helps the client make sense of the experience and connect it to their everyday life. This is a crucial part of the process, as it allows for deeper healing and understanding.

 

Is Ketamine Assisted Therapy Right for You?

This therapy might be helpful if you:

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• Have chronic, treatment-resistant depression that has not improved with other treatments.
   

• Struggle with PTSD or trauma and find it difficult to process these emotions through traditional therapy.
   

• Are looking for a fast-acting option that can provide relief from overwhelming depressive symptoms.
   

• Want to explore new ways of thinking and feeling, facilitated by ketamine’s dissociative effects.

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Safety and Considerations:

While ketamine-assisted therapy can be highly effective, it's not for everyone. Some important factors to consider include:

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• Medical Monitoring: Ketamine should always be administered by a trained medical professional in a safe and controlled environment. They will monitor the client for any potential side effects, such as elevated heart rate, nausea, or dizziness.
   

• Temporary Side Effects: Some people experience mild, temporary side effects, such as dissociation, nausea, or a feeling of disorientation during or after the session. These effects usually subside within a few hours.
   

• Not a Standalone Treatment: While ketamine can provide rapid relief, it is typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy to address the root causes of depression and trauma. Ongoing therapy sessions are crucial for long-term recovery.
   

Low-dose ketamine-assisted therapy offers new hope for those struggling with chronic depression and trauma, providing rapid relief and an opportunity for deeper emotional healing when other treatments haven’t worked.

 

What Healthy Minds Clinicians are trained in Ketamine Assisted Therapy?​

• Dr. Marie Whelan