A Clinician's Perspective on Ketamine Therapy: An Integrative Approach
Written By: Natasha Felton and Dr. Beata Lewis
Delving into the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted therapy for mental health treatment
Mind Body Seven (MB7), as an integrative psychiatry and mental health clinic, acknowledges the multiple and complex aspects of mental health. We endeavor to provide compassionate care using innovative treatment modalities. One such paradigm-shifting treatment is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), which demonstrates great promise in managing a broad range of mental health disorders. This blog aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on KAP, its applications, benefits, potential risks, and the therapy session's experience.
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Clinician's Synopsis
Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has recently surfaced as a treatment for mental health disorders. KAP fuses low-dose ketamine administration with psychotherapy, creating a synergistic effect that often leads to swift and enduring symptom improvements (Dore et al., 2019). At MB7, our adept clinicians utilize KAP to assist patients grappling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
Understanding the KAP Mechanism
Ketamine's antidepressant efficacy is attributed to its modulatory effect on the brain's glutamate system, a crucial determinant of neural plasticity - the brain's adaptive capability to experiences (Sanacora et al., 2008). Ketamine's intervention on the glutamate system fosters rapid neuronal connection growth, thereby enhancing the brain's regenerative potential (Duman et al., 2016). When integrated with psychotherapy, ketamine fosters an optimal platform to delve into and rectify deep-seated emotional issues and maladaptive thought patterns (Dore et al., 2019).
The Therapeutic Scope of KAP
KAP's therapeutic prowess spans diverse mental health disorders. Its efficacy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is well documented, with studies reporting rapid and significant symptom amelioration (Murrough et al., 2013). Other conditions responsive to KAP include anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and some chronic pain syndromes (Feder et al., 2014).
The KAP Advantage
KAP offers several advantages over conventional treatments. Its rapid effect onset, with some patients reporting significant symptom relief within hours of a single session, can be transformative for those with longstanding, unalleviated symptoms (Murrough et al., 2013). Additionally, ketamine's unique action mechanism enables it to function where other treatments have proven unsuccessful (Sanacora et al., 2008). The combined psychotherapy and ketamine approach of KAP promotes enduring improvements by addressing mental health issues at their roots, rather than merely managing symptoms (Dore et al., 2019).
In my experience, I have really seen dramatic changes in terms of depression and anxiety over the course of several sessions. KAP also has the advantage of possibly using less everyday medications therefore minimizing side effects. Clients have noticed both an alleviation of depressive symptoms and a lessening of the physical effects of anxiety.
Efficacy, Risks, and Limitations: A Balanced View
While KAP's clinical trials and real-world practice outcomes are encouraging, it's crucial to consider its potential risks and limitations. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and temporary dissociative symptoms during ketamine administration (Short et al., 2018). These effects are generally mild and transient. Further research is needed to ascertain the long-term safety and efficacy of KAP and to establish optimal dosing and treatment protocols. At MB7, we take these considerations into account, meticulously screening patients to ensure KAP is a suitable treatment choice.
Navigating a Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Session at MB7
At MB7, we prioritize a supportive and comfortable therapeutic environment. A typical KAP session begins with an initial assessment where our clinicians discuss your mental health history and evaluate if KAP aligns with your treatment needs. If deemed suitable, we will design a tailored treatment plan incorporating both ketamine administration and psychotherapy.
During ketamine administration, our experienced clinical team will closely monitor you. Ketamine is typically administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or as a nasal spray, contingent on your specific needs and preferences. The ketamine experience often induces a dissociative state, characterized by a sense of detachment from your surroundings and amplified introspection. Our clinicians will guide you through this experience, assisting you in processing any emerging insights or emotions.
Post-ketamine administration, you will engage in psychotherapy sessions. In collaboration with your therapist, you will explore and address underlying factors contributing to your mental health condition. This amalgamation of ketamine and therapy is a critical component of KAP, catalyzing lasting change and healing.
Conclusion
Ketamine-assisted therapy represents a promising new frontier in mental health treatment with the potential to transform the lives of individuals battling various conditions. At Mind Body Seven, our empathetic and skilled team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care, ensuring our patients receive the support they need on their path to recovery.
Stay tuned for subsequent blog posts in this series, where we will delve deeper into the complexities of KAP, its applications, benefits, risks, and what to expect from a therapy session.
Mind Body Seven clinicians offer treatment in Brooklyn and via teletherapy for adolescents and adults. If have not worked with us and want to get started please contact us here, so we can set you up with the clinicians that best suit your individual needs. If you are an existing patient get in touch with us here to set up your next appointment.