Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a relatively new form of treatment for mental health disorders that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of the anesthetic drug ketamine, which is administered under controlled conditions while the patient is undergoing therapy with a trained mental health professional.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is gaining popularity as a treatment for mental health disorders due to its potential to provide rapid relief from symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take months or even years to produce results, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may produce improvements in mood and emotional resilience within hours or days of treatment.

How does it work?

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which in turn affects the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate is a key player in the brain’s ability to process information and form new connections, so by altering its release, ketamine can have a profound impact on a person’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Specifically, ketamine’s ability to block NMDA receptors leads to an increase in the production of another neurotransmitter called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is critical for the growth and survival of neurons in the brain, and it’s also involved in the formation of new synapses (the connections between neurons). By increasing BDNF levels, ketamine can help promote the growth of new neurons and synapses, which may help to counteract the negative effects of mental health disorders. It’s important to note that the exact mechanisms by which ketamine works to treat mental health disorders are still being studied, and researchers are working to better understand the complex interactions between neurotransmitters, receptors, and brain circuits.