What do you think of ketamine treatment?
Sources:
Ketamine is gaining attention for its potential in treating depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric challenges. discusses its use primarily as a rapid-acting treatment for major depression, including treatment-resistant cases where traditional antidepressants, like SSRIs, may not be effective for all patients. Ketamine works in part by inducing a dreamlike dissociative state and facilitating neuroplastic changes in the brain circuits associated with mood. These properties make it useful for immediate relief from depressive symptoms 1 2.
The drug exhibits a dual action by interacting with both the glutamate and opioid systems. The relief from depression may result from this interaction, as blocking the opioid system diminishes ketamine's antidepressant effects. Researchers emphasize careful administration due to potential habit-forming properties and the need for repeated treatments, as its effects can be transient 3 2.
However, while ketamine can offer significant benefits, it is not without risks. Its effects are typically short-lived, often requiring ongoing treatment strategies to maintain benefits, which may not be feasible for everyone due to the drug's dissociative states and potential for dependency 4 1.
RELATED QUESTIONS