Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While traditional treatments like antidepressants and talk therapy work for many, some people need alternative solutions. One such emerging treatment is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that is often used as an anesthetic during surgeries. However, in smaller doses, it has shown potential in treating depression. Research indicates that ketamine can alleviate symptoms of depression much quicker compared to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects.
How Does Ketamine Work?
Ketamine functions differently from typical antidepressants. It influences a brain chemical called glutamate, which plays a significant role in regulating mood. By increasing glutamate levels, ketamine helps form new connections between brain cells, a process known as synaptogenesis, which may help enhance mood and reduce depression.
What Is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy combines ketamine use with talk therapy and brain-based therapies. The goal is to use ketamine’s rapid mood-lifting effects while addressing underlying issues with a therapist. This combination can potentially amplify the benefits of both treatments.
The Process of KAP
- Initial Assessment: Before starting KAP, you will meet with a therapist or doctor to run through your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to see if KAP is a good fit for you.
- Ketamine Sessions: During these sessions, you will receive ketamine in a controlled setting. Ketamine can be prescribed in IV, intramuscular, nasal spray, or pill form. In our office, we work directly with clients in dosing sessions using oral ketamine prescribed by a collaborating physician and will assist with preparation and integration sessions for all other ketamine and psychedelic experiences.
- Therapy Sessions: After receiving ketamine, you will have dosing and integration sessions, which may occur while the ketamine is still in effect or soon after. The therapist will guide you in processing your thoughts and feelings, making the most of the drug’s effects.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up sessions are important to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy may be beneficial for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. This includes people with treatment-resistant depression, meaning their depression hasn’t improved with standard medications and therapies. KAP might also help those with severe anxiety or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Potential Benefits
- Quick Relief: Ketamine can provide quick relief from depression symptoms, with many patients feeling better within hours of their first session.
- Enhanced Therapy: Ketamine can help create a more open and receptive state of mind, making therapy sessions more effective. Patients may feel more open to exploring their thoughts and emotions deeply.
- New Brain Connections: By promoting synaptogenesis, ketamine can help repair and strengthen brain circuits affected by depression, potentially leading to longer-lasting improvements in mood.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Common side effects of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) are mild and include dizziness, nausea, and dissociation, which is a feeling of being detached from reality. These side effects are typically fleeting symptoms and resolve within a few hours of treatment. There is also a less common risk of addiction, but this is more likely with higher doses used recreationally rather than the controlled doses administered during KAP. It is important to receive KAP under the supervision of trained professionals to minimize these risks.
Is It Right for You?
Deciding if Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you requires careful consideration. Discussing this option with a healthcare provider can help determine if KAP is a suitable and safe choice based on your medical history and current condition.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy presents a promising new approach for treating depression, particularly for those who haven’t found relief with traditional methods! However, it is essential to undergo this treatment under professional supervision. If you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression, contact our office to explore whether KAP might be an option for you.