Author: Hannah Gantt, LPCC
Ketamine therapy is a specialized form of treatment primarily used for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have not responded adequately to other conventional treatments such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. However, ketamine therapy has also shown promise in addressing other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and certain types of chronic pain.
Ketamine therapy may be considered for individuals who have exhausted other treatment options or for those who need rapid relief from severe symptoms. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or those with depressive symptoms that pose an immediate risk to their well-being.
It is important to note that ketamine therapy is a relatively new and evolving field of treatment and is not yet FDA approved. While it has shown promising results for some individuals, it may not be suitable or effective for everyone. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or psychiatrist to assess your specific condition and determine if ketamine therapy is a viable option for you.
At-Home Ketamine Therapy and Who It May Be Right For
At-home ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted home treatment, is a form of treatment where ketamine is administered outside of a clinical setting, typically in the comfort of one's own home. It involves the use of ketamine in a controlled manner under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
While ketamine therapy is traditionally conducted in a clinic or medical setting, at-home ketamine therapy has gained attention as a potentially convenient and accessible alternative for certain individuals. However, it's important to note that at-home ketamine therapy should only be undertaken under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
The suitability of at-home ketamine therapy depends on various factors, including the individual's medical history, mental health condition, treatment goals, and their ability to follow treatment protocols safely. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for at-home ketamine therapy, and it may not be recommended for individuals with certain conditions or circumstances.
Good candidates for at-home ketamine therapy typically include:
1. Individuals with treatment-resistant depression: Those who have not responded adequately to other standard treatments for depression, such as medications or therapy.
2. Individuals with limited access to clinical settings: At-home therapy can be beneficial for individuals who live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling to a clinic for regular sessions.
3. Individuals with severe symptoms or urgent need: At-home ketamine therapy may be considered for individuals experiencing acute distress, suicidal thoughts, or severe depressive symptoms that require immediate intervention.
4. Individuals who prefer the comfort of their own environment: Some individuals may feel more at ease and have better treatment outcomes when receiving therapy in familiar surroundings.
It's important to emphasize that the decision to pursue at-home ketamine therapy should be made in collaboration with a qualified healthcare professional or psychiatrist. They will assess your specific situation, provide appropriate guidance, monitor your progress, and ensure your safety throughout the treatment process.
Ketamine therapy is not for everyone. It may be right for you if:
● You are 18 or older and have a mental health condition that has been diagnosed by a physician.
● You have tried other treatments, such as antidepressants or psychotherapy, but they haven't worked well enough to help you feel better.
● Your doctor agrees that ketamine could be helpful for your symptoms and will supervise your treatment during each session with an anesthesia provider who specializes in administering IV sedation drugs such as ketamine (also called "administered anesthesia").
Ketamine therapy is effective for many different types of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Ketamine therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many different types of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. The drug works by blocking the brain's receptors for glutamate--a neurotransmitter that helps regulate learning and memory. Ketamine also acts on other receptors in the central nervous system to produce its psychotropic effects.
Ketamine therapy involves taking small doses of ketamine over several weeks or months to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). It can be used as an add-on treatment alongside antidepressant medications like SSRIs or SNRIs if your doctor feels that it would benefit you more than taking only one type of medication at a time.
Ketamine has been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal thoughts among patients with MDD.
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in certain parts of the brain.
Ketamine works by temporarily blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in certain parts of the brain. NMDA receptors are proteins that are responsible for sending signals between neurons, and they're involved in memory, learning, and the perception of pain.
It's also important that anyone considering ketamine therapy discuss any mental health concerns with their doctor as well as any previous history of substance abuse or dependence (including alcohol).
If you are suffering from an illness that has not responded to traditional treatments and ketamine therapy could help you feel better, it's worth talking to your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you.
This blog is not medical advice or therapeutic advice but general knowledge to help you get the most out of your experiences with psychedelic therapy. At-home psychedelic therapy sessions with generic ketamine may be prescribed "off-label" for suitable candidates as an alternative pathway. Over the last two decades, research suggests that ketamine may be able to safely and effectively improve many treatment-resistant conditions. A form of ketamine, Esketamine (Spravato), is an FDA-approved medication for depression. Spravato treatments are only available in-person in our office. Our at-home programs include therapeutic guidance, safety protocols, breathwork, virtual treatment preparation and 1-on-1 integration coaching to get the most out of your sessions.
