Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy:
A New Treatment for Depression
Depression is a common and debilitating condition that affects many people worldwide. Traditional antidepressants can be helpful, but not always effective and may have side effects. Luckily, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a new treatment option that is showing promising results.
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a treatment involving the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. It has been used as an anesthetic for medical procedures and has recently been found to be effective in treating depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression.
How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressant medications, which work on serotonin, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine receptors. It acts on the GABA receptors of the brain, promoting the growth of new neural connections in the brain, leading to a reduction in depressive symptoms.
The Process of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy:
The therapy typically involves six medicine sessions, plus preparation and integration sessions throughout treatment. During a session, the client listens to therapeutic music and wears eye shades while the therapist gives guidance. After the effects of the medicine begin to lessen, the client and therapist may do integration work. Research suggests six sessions within 3-6 weeks are recommended for the greatest benefit, followed by booster doses once a week or every other week, and then monthly boosters if needed.
Conclusion:
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a new and promising treatment option for depression. It may be an effective treatment for those who have not responded well to traditional antidepressants. With the right therapist and a commitment to the process, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can help many people find relief from depression and regain their quality of life.
Learn More about Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and How to Get Started.
