Some people who struggle with depression find that standard approaches like psychotherapy and antidepressant medications do not garner positive results. In the past, this could present quite a problem. But today, we have ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Ketamine was used primarily as an anesthetic until it was found to be effective in treating depression.
While not a traditional “psychedelic,” medically administered ketamine brings patients into a trance-like state. In such a state, they can safely address and resolve negative memories and emotions. The underlying process involves KAP enhancing your brain’s neuroplasticity by accessing the glutamate neurotransmitter. As a result, KAP tends to work faster than anti-depressants. Let’s take a closer look.
Can Ketamine Help With Depression?
Here are some highlights from recent studies:
KAP works quickly and is effective when used in repeated treatments
It has anti-suicidal effects
KAP continues to be effective over time
Positive results are seen in “even the most treatment-resistant patients.”
All of this (and more) is possible because ketamine can help to “reshape” the brain.
KAP Makes and Remakes Connections
Depression is a mood disorder, but it’s also a state of mind. Which comes first? It’s hard to say for sure, just as specific causes can be challenging to identify. However, a common hypothesis involves connection issues among the nerve cells that regulate our moods. The longer depression occurs, the fewer synapses between these nerve cells exist, hampering their ability to communicate.
KAP has been found to both reconnect the nerve cells — and increase the number of such nerve cells. This empowers the person to shift away from a depressive episode, which is what’s meant by the word “reshape” above. It’s also interesting to note that once the brain has rebuilt synapses, antidepressant medications may suddenly become effective.
What is KAP Like?
As you might expect, there is an introductory phase in which the client is assessed and prepared for treatment. Once this has been completed, you’ll undergo two kinds of sessions. The first type is roughly two to three hours (depending on route of administration) and involves the administering of ketamine. Another type of session is called integration. Since ketamine is a unique, psychedelic-like experience, it must be integrated into your everyday life. Here’s a glance at both:
Ketamine Sessions
Before getting a ketamine infusion or lozenge, time will be allocated to making sure you’re comfortable and fully aware of what will happen. This includes discussions of what you’ll need once the ketamine wears off. The amount of time that you’re actually in the trance-like state usually ranges from 40 to 60 minutes.
Most patients report the experience to be pleasant, but most experience some dissociation along with changes in their emotions and thoughts. There may be temporary shifts in your motor skills, too. Think of it as an inward journey. Afterward, dizziness and drowsiness can last for a couple of hours, so it’s necessary to have someone drive you home.
Integration Sessions
Integration sessions are similar to talk therapy and can be quite free-wheeling. These in-between sessions will be designed to help you harmonize your new perceptions into your daily life. Your therapist may suggest “homework” to help this process move along safely and effectively, e.g., meditation, bodywork, journaling, and breathing exercises.
What Role Does Your KAP Therapist Play?
Your therapist brings an unusual and important combination of skills to the treatment room. Of course, they are well-trained in the intricacies of a KAP. At the same time, they have plenty of knowledge about depression (or other mental health concerns). A KAP therapist understands that this approach is an evolving modality, so they know when to adapt and adjust to keep you moving toward your goal of healing.
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