What is Ketamine Therapy and How Does It Work?

Severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD can oftentimes be stubborn to treat with modern mental health medicines and treatment options. However, a new form of therapy is quickly becoming an effective method of helping the mind heal from trauma: ketamine therapy.

Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being explored for its powerful, fast-acting effects on many hard-to-treat forms of mental illness. It has emerged as a promising alternative as people seek other methods of treatment to deal with mental health. However, there is plenty of mystery surrounding the treatment, and our goal is to help educate people on how it can help them.

Ketamine Therapy 101

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that’s been safely used in medical and surgical settings for decades. In recent years, researchers have discovered its potential to treat mental health conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression.

You may wonder if this treatment is safe and regulated by the government. The FDA has recently approved a form of the anesthetic esketamine for this treatment.

However, in psychotherapy settings, the drug is usually administered via an IV, through a shot, a nasal spray, or even a dissolvable tablet. Patients then proceed through a guided psychotherapy session that generally lasts about an hour. The treatment typically spans several sessions.

How Does It Work?

Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system. By increasing glutamate activity, ketamine promotes synaptic growth and enhances the brain’s ability to form new connections. This effect may explain why many patients report rapid relief from depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours of treatment.

Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You? Let’s Find Out.

 Ketamine therapy offers hope for individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges. If you're interested in exploring this treatment, contact us at Mind & Body Healing Collective to learn more!