1705 results for "Ketamine"
Clinical Comparison of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine With Ketamine-Propofol During Canine Orchiectomy: A Randomized Study.
Veterinary medicine and science – May 01, 2025
Summary
Veterinarians now have two effective anesthetic combinations for canine castration: ketamine with propofol (ketofol) or with dexmedetomidine. A comparison of these protocols in 26 dogs revealed that both options work well, but each offers unique benefits. Ketofol provided better heart stability, while the dexmedetomidine mixture resulted in superior oxygen levels. Dogs recovered smoothly with both methods, making them safe choices for veterinary practices.
Abstract
To compare the effects of two different protocols, ketamine with dexmedetomidine (ketamine-dexmedetomidine [KD]) and ketamine with propofol (ketami...
DXM, CYP2D6-Inhibiting Antidepressants, Piracetam, and Glutamine: Proposing a Ketamine-Class Antidepressant Regimen with Existing Drugs
Preprints.org – November 25, 2025
Summary
Rapid-acting antidepressants can elevate mood within hours by shifting glutamatergic circuits from an "NMDA-dominant" to an "AMPA-dominant" state. A proposed regimen combines dextromethorphan (DXM) for rapid NMDA antagonism, a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor to extend DXM’s effects, piracetam to enhance AMPA activity, and micronized L-glutamine to restore glutamate levels. Preclinical data indicate that these components work synergistically, potentially offering an affordable alternative to ketamine for treating major depression, leveraging familiar medications to achieve significant therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Rapid‐acting antidepressants show that mood can lift within hours when glutamatergic circuits are pushed from an "NMDA-dominant" to an "AMPA-domina...
Clinical outcomes of ketamine in patients with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.
International journal of critical illness and injury science – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful sedative and anesthesia medication, shows promise but mixed results in treating traumatic brain injury patients. When doctors need to sedate patients with head injuries for ventilation support, choosing the right medication is crucial. Analysis of 886 patients across multiple hospitals revealed that ketamine sometimes lowered dangerous brain pressure and improved blood flow, while in other cases it had opposite effects. Most patients tolerated the treatment well, with stable vital signs and brain function during sedation.
Abstract
The current literature provides contradictory results concerning the impact of ketamine-induced anesthesia on traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes...
Ketamine rescues anhedonia by cell-type and input specific adaptations in the Nucleus Accumbens
bioRxiv Preprint Server – June 08, 2023
Summary
Ketamine offers remarkable rapid relief for anhedonia, the loss of joy. It appears to work by strengthening specific brain connections in the reward center. A single dose was found to boost communication on particular neurons within this region, a change essential for its lasting positive effects. Artificially enhancing these connections also improved behavior. The research revealed ketamine targets inputs from areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, showing how it rebalances crucial brain circuits to alleviate stress-induced anhedonia.
Abstract
Ketamine’s role in providing a rapid and sustained antidepressant response, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, is i...
Lithium attenuates ketamine-induced long-term neurotoxicity through DISC1-mediated GSK-3β/β-catenin and ERK/CREB pathways.
Toxicology letters – April 01, 2025
Summary
While ketamine is vital in pediatric anesthesia, its repeated use can harm developing brains. Researchers found that lithium can protect against ketamine's toxic effects on nerve cells. The study revealed that lithium activates protective pathways in the brain, specifically the GSK-3β/β-catenin and ERK/CREB systems, by boosting DISC1 protein levels. This discovery offers a promising way to make ketamine safer for young patients.
Abstract
Ketamine, an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, is extensively employed in pediatric anesthesia. Multiple studies have shown that repeate...
Transcranial Bipolar Direct Current Stimulation of the Frontoparietal Cortex Reduces Ketamine-Induced Oscillopathies: A Pilot Study in the Sedated Rat
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 13, 2020
Summary
Brain stimulation shows promise in treating ketamine-induced neural disturbances. Using mild electrical currents applied to specific brain regions, researchers successfully reduced abnormal brain wave patterns caused by ketamine in rats. This non-invasive technique normalized brain activity patterns, suggesting potential applications for treating psychiatric conditions affecting neural connectivity.
Abstract
Running title: Frontoparietal anodal tDCS reduces ketamine-induced oscillopathies.Abstract: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia with its co...
Novel Neurobiological Approaches to Anxiety-Related Disorders: Clinical and Neuroimaging Investigations of Psilocybin and Ketamine-Based Interventions
University of Southern Denmark Research Portal (University of Southern Denmark) – September 09, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin and ketamine show promise as psychological interventions for anxiety disorders, often resistant to conventional medicine. Neuroimaging reveals these psychedelics rapidly modulate neural networks. Investigations included one individual with GAD receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and another with OCD microdosing psilocybin. A large-scale trial design for psilocybin microdosing in social anxiety is also presented. This emerging field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies informs psychotherapist training, vital for over 600,000 Francophone patients seeking mental health support.
Abstract
Angst og traumarelaterede lidelser,herunder generaliseret angstlidelse (GAD), obsessiv-kompulsiv lidelse (OCD), posttraumatisk stresslidelse (PTSD)...
GPX4 Inhibition Contributes to NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis and Cognitive Impairment in Ketamine-Exposed Neonatal Rats.
Molecular neurobiology – May 23, 2025
Summary
Early exposure to ketamine, a common anesthetic, can trigger brain cell death through a newly discovered mechanism in developing rats. Scientists found that a protective protein called GPX4 helps shield the hippocampus - a brain region crucial for memory - from damage. When this protection fails, cells undergo pyroptosis, a specific form of cell death. Blocking GPX4 worsened memory problems, while boosting protective mechanisms reduced hippocampal injury.
Abstract
Increasing evidence reveals that multiple or prolonged exposure to ketamine causes hippocampal damage and cognitive dysfunction. However, the criti...
The amino acid metabolism pathway of peripheral T lymphocytes and ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like phenotype.
Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN – January 01, 2024
Summary
Abnormal amino acid levels in blood may hold clues to schizophrenia development. Scientists found that ketamine treatment in mice led to increased T-cell counts and altered amino acid metabolism. Four specific amino acids—glycine, alanine, asparagine, and aspartic acid—showed notably higher levels in blood samples, suggesting a link between immune system changes and schizophrenia-like symptoms.
Abstract
The intricate interplay between peripheral adaptive immune cells and the central nervous system (CNS) has garnered increasing recognition. Given th...
Reconnecting through dissociation: a 5-month follow-up case study on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa.
Journal of eating disorders – June 10, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with psychotherapy showed remarkable success in treating severe anorexia nervosa. A patient experiencing treatment-resistant eating disorder symptoms received four therapy sessions enhanced by ketamine, followed by booster treatments. After five months, she showed significant improvements in both eating patterns and emotional well-being, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects at sub-anesthetic doses, making it a promising...
AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE PDE-10 INHIBITORS AGAINST KETAMINE-MEDIATED SCHIZOPHRENIC OUTCOMES IN MICE
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research – January 07, 2026
Summary
Papaverine shows promise in protecting against ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors. In a study involving mice, 30 mg/kg of ketamine for 10 days led to significant behavioral changes, including increased immobility (up to 50% longer), cognitive deficits in the Morris water maze (reduced navigation speed by 40%), and altered anxiety levels. Treatment with papaverine (30 mg/kg) and clozapine (7.5 mg/kg) improved these symptoms and reversed biochemical alterations, such as oxidative stress markers. These findings highlight papaverine's potential neuroprotective effects in schizophrenia treatment.
Abstract
Objectives: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is characterized by significant impairments in perception and cognitive flexibility. Making accurate plans for ther...
MeCP2 prevents against sustained ketamine-induced synaptic depression at inhibitory synapses.
iScience – June 20, 2025
Summary
A key protein, MeCP2, plays a vital role in how the brain responds to ketamine. This Molecular neuroscience discovery shows it stabilizes inhibitory brain signals, preventing sustained over-activity after ketamine exposure. This work, a significant contribution to Biological sciences and Natural sciences, explored how MeCP2-deficient models reacted. It reveals MeCP2 is crucial for maintaining balanced brain activity, a positive finding in Neuroscience and Systems neuroscience, advancing understanding of ketamine's effects and potential treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine induces antidepressant action via upregulation of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and TrkB receptor signal...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic methodologies, and the impregnable value of the subjective—a new and evolving approach
Frontiers in Psychiatry – February 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a legally prescribed medicine, offers profound potential in psychiatry. Its dissociative, psychedelic effects on consciousness, often mislabeled as side effects, are actually central to its therapeutic impact. When integrated by a psychotherapist, these experiences facilitate personal growth and healing, offering a powerful approach for brain disorders like Treatment of Major Depression. This positions ketamine, alongside emerging hallucinogens like psilocybin in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, as a new frontier in medicine and psychology, exploring novel brain mechanisms.
Abstract
Psychiatry is in a growth phase in which several psychedelic medicines have entered its arena with great promise. Of these, presently, ketamine is ...
Neurotransmitter Mechanisms of Ketamine and Ketamine–Magnesium Sulfate-Induced Hypothermia: Evidence for Serotonergic and Adrenergic Involvement Without GABAA Contributions
Brain Sciences – February 04, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and a ketamine-magnesium sulfate combination significantly induce hypothermia, with effects influenced by neurotransmitter systems. In a study involving Wistar rats, yohimbine (0.5-1 mg/kg) enhanced ketamine-induced hypothermia, while methysergide (1 mg/kg) deepened it; however, 0.5 mg/kg of methysergide reduced the effect of the combination. Bicuculline did not affect hypothermic responses. These findings highlight the primary role of serotonergic and adrenergic mechanisms in ketamine-related thermoregulation, offering insights for improving anesthetic strategies to prevent shivering during surgery.
Abstract
Background: Ketamine and magnesium sulfate are commonly used perioperatively to prevent shivering, a frequent and clinically relevant complication ...
The Impact of Ketamine-Based Versus Non-Ketamine-Based ECT Anesthesia Regimens on the Severity of Patients' Depression and Occurrence of Adverse Events: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
The Annals of pharmacotherapy – March 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful NMDA antagonist, may boost the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression. Analysis of 17 clinical trials revealed that patients receiving ketamine anesthesia during ECT were 78% more likely to achieve remission from treatment-resistant depression compared to those given standard anesthesia. While this combination showed faster improvement in depression scores, patients experienced more temporary side effects like hallucinations.
Abstract
To compare efficacy and safety outcomes for ketamine anesthesia + electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) versus nonketamine anesthesia + ECT in treatment-...
Etomidate vs Ketamine-Propofol for Induction of Anesthesia in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Seminars in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia – April 12, 2025
Summary
When preparing patients for coronary artery bypass surgery, choosing the right anesthetic combination is crucial. New research shows that etomidate maintains better blood pressure stability compared to ketofol (a ketamine-propofol mix) during anesthetic induction. However, both medications proved equally effective, requiring similar levels of medical intervention to manage blood pressure changes during the procedure.
Abstract
Background: Etomidate has minimal cardiovascular depressant effects at the cost of endogenous cortisol production suppression, whereas propofol has...
Ketamine-Assisted and Culturally Attuned Trauma Informed Psychotherapy as Adjunct to Traditional Indigenous Healing: Effecting Cultural Collaboration in Canadian Mental Health Care.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 31, 2021
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ketamine therapy with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy in a collaborative cross-cultural partnership may provide a critical step in...
Effect of Mouse (Mus musculus) Sex and C57BL/6 Substrain on Sensitivity to Isoflurane and Ketamine-Xylazine-Acepromazine Anesthesia.
Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS – June 01, 2025
Summary
Did you know male mice stay under anesthesia longer than females? Research explored how sex and C57BL/6 substrain affect anesthetic response. Using isoflurane to determine MAC and KXA (ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine) for injectable anesthesia, scientists monitored HR, RR, and SpO2. They found male mice showed a significantly longer loss of righting reflex (LORR) and surgical plane duration with KXA. While isoflurane MAC was consistent, heart rate differences emerged between substrains, with some showing lower HR. These findings highlight crucial sex-specific anesthetic responses and physiological variations.
Abstract
Anesthesia is commonly performed with mice in the research setting. Standard doses of anesthetic drugs are typically recommended, without customiza...
Cheung’s Regimen Series: Successful Conversion From One Dose of Esketamine to a Low-Cost Oral Ketamine-Class Glutamatergic Regimen in Treatment-Resistant Depression and OCD
Preprints.org – December 02, 2025
Summary
A 48-year-old office worker experienced a dramatic mood lift and relief from suicidal thoughts after a single dose of intranasal esketamine, but the HK $6,000 cost prevented continued treatment. Over two years, his condition worsened until an oral regimen combining dextromethorphan (120 mg/day), fluoxetine (20-40 mg/day), and piracetam (1.2 g/day) was implemented. Within four weeks, his PHQ-9 score dropped from 17 to 5-6, and suicidal ideation vanished, all for a monthly cost of HK $400-600—significantly more affordable than esketamine maintenance.
Abstract
Intranasal esketamine has proven its worth for patients whose depression will not yield to standard medicines, yet the realities of cost and clinic...
Ketamine Alters Specific Gene Expression Profiles by Transcriptome-Wide Responses in a Ketamine-Induced Schizophrenia-Like Mouse Model.
Molecular neurobiology – February 24, 2025
Summary
Ketamine abuse can trigger psychiatric disorders by altering gene activity in the brain. Scientists discovered that blocking specific brain receptors prevents ketamine's harmful effects on behavior and memory. By analyzing the transcriptome (complete gene activity) in mice, researchers identified key genes like Rgs4 that change after ketamine exposure. Blood tests revealed promising markers that could help detect ketamine abuse and its mental health impacts.
Abstract
Psychotic disorder is a significant consequence of ketamine abuse. However, the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for this psychotic disorder and...
Ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness: a systematic review of implications for therapeutic outcomes in psychiatric practices.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – October 28, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's ability to induce altered states of consciousness may be key to its remarkable antidepressant effects. Half of analyzed studies found that ketamine's psychedelic and dissociative effects positively influenced treatment outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance dependence. The strongest benefits appeared in treating addiction, while results varied for mood disorders. IV administration showed more promise than other methods.
Abstract
This systematic review aims to elucidate the nexus between ketamine's psychoactive properties and its efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of psyc...
Ketamine and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Psychiatric and Existential Distress in Patients with Serious Medical Illness: A Narrative Review.
Journal of palliative medicine – January 22, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows remarkable promise in rapidly relieving psychiatric symptoms in seriously ill patients. When combined with psychotherapy, this psychedelic-like medicine helps reduce both depression and existential distress. Research reveals ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers quick relief with minimal side effects, potentially transforming mental health care for those facing life-threatening conditions.
Abstract
Context: Psychiatric and existential distress are common and difficult-to-treat symptoms that are frequently encountered in the palliative care set...
Ketamine-dependent patients with persistent psychosis have higher neurofilament light chain levels than patients with schizophrenia.
Asian journal of psychiatry – October 01, 2024
Summary
Blood tests reveal that chronic ketamine users who develop persistent psychosis show significantly higher levels of a key brain injury marker than those with schizophrenia. This finding helps distinguish ketamine-induced psychosis from schizophrenia at a biological level. The study compared neurofilament light chain levels across four groups: ketamine users with and without persistent psychosis, schizophrenia patients, and healthy individuals. Ketamine dependence, especially with lasting psychotic symptoms, was linked to the highest injury markers.
Abstract
Ketamine can induce persisting psychosis in a subset of individuals who use it chronically and heavily. Previously, we found that the psychopatholo...
Ketamine-enhanced prolonged exposure therapy in veterans with PTSD: A randomized controlled trial protocol.
Contemporary clinical trials – August 01, 2024
Summary
Veterans struggling with PTSD may soon have access to a groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with prolonged exposure therapy. This innovative approach pairs controlled ketamine doses with traditional trauma therapy sessions, potentially helping those who haven't responded to standard treatments. Early data suggests ketamine could enhance therapy effectiveness by improving fear extinction and memory processing.
Abstract
The 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD recommends individual, manualized trauma-focused such as Prolonged Exposure ...
Safety and tolerability of intramuscular and sublingual ketamine for psychiatric treatment in the Roots To Thrive ketamine-assisted therapy program: a retrospective chart review.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
In the last few years, ketamine is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of mental health conditions, but there is a lack of safety data in...
Electroencephalography Correlation of Ketamine-induced Clinical Excitatory Movements: A Systematic Review.
The western journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain activity reveal a striking pattern: while it's safe for most people, those with epilepsy respond differently. Brain wave recordings show that nearly 30% of people with epilepsy experience seizure activity during ketamine use, while those without epilepsy show no such activity. The effect is even more pronounced in children with epilepsy, where 60% show measurable brain changes. Physical movements during ketamine use strongly correlate with these brain patterns, especially in patients with pre-existing seizure conditions.
Abstract
This is a systematic review investigating the correlation between seizures identifiable on electroencephalogram (EEG), clinical excitatory movement...
Ketamine-induced cystitis: A case report and literature review.
Radiology case reports – December 01, 2024
Summary
Chronic recreational ketamine use can trigger severe bladder damage, as revealed in a striking medical case. A patient's daily ketamine habit led to cystitis with symptoms including blood in urine and bladder thickening. Through specialized ureteropyeloscopy, doctors confirmed extensive urinary tract damage. After stopping ketamine use and receiving targeted treatment, the patient recovered successfully, highlighting how early intervention can reverse drug-induced bladder problems.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic drug, has gained popularity as a recreational substance, particularly among young adults. However, chronic keta...
Connectome harmonic decomposition tracks the presence of disconnected consciousness during ketamine-induced unresponsiveness.
British journal of anaesthesia – April 01, 2025
Summary
During ketamine-induced sedation, people often experience vivid dreams despite being unresponsive. Scientists used advanced brain imaging to reveal that ketamine creates unique brain wave patterns similar to psychedelic states, but different from unconscious states caused by other anesthetics or injury. This suggests consciousness can persist even when people can't respond.
Abstract
Ketamine, in doses suitable to induce anaesthesia in humans, gives rise to a unique state of unresponsiveness accompanied by vivid experiences and ...
Ketamine-Induced Cholangiopathy With Concomitant Hemorrhagic Cystitis: An Emerging and Underrecognized Cause of Cholestasis.
Cureus – December 01, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine use poses a silent, multisystem threat. A 55-year-old female with recurrent hemorrhagic cystitis developed a severe hepatobiliary complication: ketamine-induced cholangiopathy, characterized by multifocal biliary stricture. Her case, alongside confirmed ketamine-induced cystitis, highlights ketamine's toxic potential. Cessation of the drug led to biochemical improvement, underscoring the importance of recognizing ketamine-induced cholangiopathy with concomitant recurrent hemorrhagic cystitis as an emerging cause of injury.
Abstract
Ketamine-induced cholangiopathy (KIC) is a rare but increasingly recognized manifestation of chronic ketamine toxicity, often accompanied by urinar...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Case Report.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 07, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy helped transform the life of a man with antisocial personality disorder. Over three years, low-dose ketamine sessions combined with therapy helped resolve his alcoholism, reduced violent thoughts, and improved depression. This marks a potential new avenue for treating a condition that traditionally has limited treatment options.
Abstract
There are currently no evidence-based treatment guidelines for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Instead, treatment typically focuses on como...
Exploring the impact of music on response to ketamine/esketamine: A scoping review.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – July 01, 2024
Summary
Music's therapeutic power combines remarkably with ketamine treatments, enhancing patient experiences and outcomes. Research shows that carefully selected music during ketamine or esketamine therapy can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and create more meaningful therapeutic experiences. When used during anesthesia, music helps stabilize vital signs and increases patient satisfaction. This synergistic approach offers promising benefits for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Music and ketamine are both known to affect therapeutic outcomes, but few studies have investigated their co-administration. This scoping review de...
At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
OpenAlex – February 11, 2026
Summary
At-home ketamine-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, with a 44.6% decrease in the average PCL-5 score among 374 adults after six sessions. The clinical response rate reached 79.7%, and 60.7% achieved remission. Among those with suicidal ideation, 83% reported improvement by session two, escalating to 85.2% by session six. Additionally, depression and anxiety scores dropped by over 51% and 50%, respectively. Side effects were minimal, occurring in only 4.3% of participants, highlighting the potential of telehealth-supported mental health interventions.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition affecting approximately 3-6% of the U.S. adult popul...
PCA ketamine-morphine versus PCA morphine as post-operative analgesia in colorectal surgery.
Journal of opioid management – January 01, 2025
Summary
Adding ketamine to morphine for pain control after colorectal surgery cuts morphine use in half while maintaining equal pain relief. This breakthrough finding shows how combining these medications helps patients recover with less reliance on opioids. Patients using the ketamine-morphine combo needed 50% less morphine over 48 hours, with no increase in side effects. They reported similar satisfaction levels and pain control as those using morphine alone.
Abstract
Ketamine has undergone a recent resurgence of interest as an opioid-sparing agent in pain management. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ...
Cortical thickness of the posterior cingulate cortex is associated with the ketamine-induced altered sense of self: An ultra-high field MRI study.
Journal of psychiatric research – April 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine induce an antidepressant effect within hours in individuals with treatment-resistant depression while it furthermor...
Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics Techniques Reveal Striatal Metabolome Characteristics in the Ketamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference Mice Model.
Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN – July 12, 2025
Summary
How does ketamine addiction rewire the brain? Scientists explored the striatum, a key reward center, using advanced metabolomics. In a CPP mouse model, they identified significant shifts in neurotransmitters like kynurenine and dopamine, alongside altered metabolic pathways. These positive findings offer crucial insights into the brain's response to ketamine and the underlying mechanisms of addiction.
Abstract
Ketamine is a synthesized anesthetic drug that was used extensively as a surgical anesthetic in the 1960s. Currently, ketamine is being investigate...
A Cohort-Based Case Report: The Impact of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Embedded in a Community of Practice Framework for Healthcare Providers With PTSD and Depression
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 12, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, 86% of healthcare providers (HCP) struggling with PTSD found significant relief. A program explored ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, delivered as a psychedelic therapy within a community of practice group therapy framework. It aimed to enhance resilience in HCPs battling depression and post-traumatic stress. Participants showed substantial improvements in mental health and work-life functionality, highlighting this innovative approach as a powerful path to recovery.
Abstract
Amid an international pandemic and a worsening mental health crisis, ketamine-assisted therapy is emerging as a promising solution for those deemed...
Ketamine-Related Deaths Registered in Scotland 2013–2024
Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology and Addiction – January 04, 2026
Summary
Ketamine-related deaths in Scotland surged twentyfold over a decade, with 88 cases identified between 2013 and 2024—approximately 0.5% of all deaths recorded. A striking 81.8% of the deceased were male, averaging 35 years old. Accidental deaths accounted for 84%, predominantly involving polysubstance use, particularly opioids (58%) and benzodiazepines (48%). Acute drug use was the primary cause in 85% of cases. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health strategies and targeted interventions to address ketamine misuse and its associated risks.
Abstract
Background: Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic and non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, has legitimate medical applications. However, rising...
A novel framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic therapies are revolutionizing mental health treatment, and now they're transforming relationships too. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy shows promise in helping couples overcome relationship challenges while addressing individual mental health concerns. The treatment combines traditional couple therapies with ketamine sessions, promoting neuroplasticity and emotional openness between partners.
Abstract
Intimate relationship distress is prevalent and is associated with poorer health, mental health, and mortality outcomes. Evidence-based couple ther...
Roles of orexinergic and noradrenergic neuronal activity in ketamine-induced sedation: a study using an orexin-ataxin-3 transgenic rat model.
Journal of anesthesia – June 09, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's sedative effects are intricately linked to two key brain chemicals: orexin and noradrenaline. Research reveals that these neural messengers work together to control how deeply we're sedated by ketamine. Using specially engineered rats lacking orexin-producing brain cells, scientists found that both orexin and brain noradrenergic neurons are essential for normal sedation patterns. When either system is disrupted, ketamine's effectiveness changes significantly.
Abstract
To investigate the role of brain noradrenergic and orexinergic activity in ketamine-induced sedation. We used orexin neuron-deficient transgenic ra...
Protocol of an open-label safety and feasibility pilot study of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder (the KAPPA trial).
BMJ open – February 10, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, may offer new hope for methamphetamine addiction treatment. This innovative drug therapy combines controlled ketamine doses with cognitive behavioral therapy to address substance misuse. The pilot program evaluates safety and feasibility by treating 20 adults over 4 weeks, providing weekly ketamine doses alongside psychosocial intervention sessions. Initial data suggests this combined approach could improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Abstract
Methamphetamine use disorder is a significant public health concern. No pharmacological treatment options currently exist for methamphetamine use d...
Effective action of silymarin against ketamine-induced schizophrenia in male mice: Insight into the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action.
Journal of psychiatric research – November 01, 2024
Summary
A natural compound found in milk thistle shows promise in treating psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms. The plant-based antipsychotic, silymarin, effectively prevented and reversed behavioral changes in mice by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring brain chemistry balance. Unlike traditional medications, it improved both positive and negative symptoms without serious side effects, marking a potential breakthrough in neuropharmacology.
Abstract
Neurochemical dysregulations resulting from N-methyl-D-aspartate hypofunction (NMDA), are exacerbated by neuroimmune and oxidative stress and are k...
Unfolding States of Mind: A Dissociative-Psychedelic Model of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Palliative Care.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – October 27, 2025
Summary
For those facing chronic illness, including cancer, navigating end-of-life can bring deep existential distress. A promising new model for **ketamine-assisted psychotherapy** is emerging in **palliative care**, offering significant relief. Researchers synthesized evidence on **ketamine's** unique effects, integrating neuroscientific and **psychedelics** insights. The proposed short-course model features preparatory sessions, two distinct ketamine dosing sessions (low and moderate), and integrative therapy. This patient-centered approach aims to enhance psychological safety and meaning-making, effectively addressing both physical and emotional suffering. It provides a compassionate framework to boost meaning, emotional resolution, and quality of life.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients in palliative care often experience multifaceted forms of suffering that extend beyond physical symptoms, including...
Ketamine-based Sedation Use in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study.
Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society – May 01, 2024
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ketamine emerged as a promising sedation option in ICUs. Research spanning five hospitals found that critically ill patients receiving ketamine-based sedation had shorter hospital stays and improved oxygen levels. The treatment led to faster normalization of lactic acid levels and better breathing metrics, though mortality rates remained unchanged.
Abstract
Ketamine possesses analgesia, anti-inflammation, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotection properties. However, the evidence that supports its use in mec...
Ketamine-Induced Unresponsiveness Shows a Harmonic Shift from Global to Localised Functional Organisation
OpenAlex – June 25, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, when individuals become unresponsive under Ketamine, their brain activity mirrors psychedelic states, not unconsciousness. Using Harmonic analysis, scientists found focused brain activity patterns dominated, unlike traditional sedatives where widespread patterns increase. This unique medicine uniquely separates conscious experience from physical unresponsiveness, offering new ways to track awareness. Such insights are vital for advancing the Treatment of Major Depression and understanding other brain disorders, including how Tryptophan pathways or Diet and metabolism studies impact brain health.
Abstract
Abstract Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic that, in sub-anaesthetic doses, can produce an altered state of consciousness charact...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in adolescents with multiple psychiatric diagnoses.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a promising new treatment for a variety of mental disorders of adolescence. There is currently an adolescent men...
The immune regulatory mechanism of ketamine-induced psychiatric disorders: A new perspective on drug-induced psychiatric symptoms.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – January 10, 2025
Summary
Recent discoveries reveal ketamine's complex effects on mental health involve more than just brain chemistry - the immune system plays a crucial role. By examining how this new drug influences both nervous and immune systems, researchers uncovered that immune cells entering the brain may trigger psychiatric symptoms. This breakthrough in neuroimmunology opens promising avenues for treating drug-related mental health conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine, a psychoactive substance strictly regulated by international drug conventions, is classified as a "new type drug" due to its excitatory, ...
Ketamine-Ethanol Combination Decreases Reduced Glutathione Levels and Activates both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathways Prior to Neuronal Death in SH-SY5Y Cells.
Neurotoxicity research – June 07, 2025
Summary
When ketamine and alcohol combine in the brain, they create a dangerous cocktail that can trigger cell death more effectively than either substance alone. A groundbreaking lab study reveals how this combination depletes glutathione, a crucial antioxidant that protects brain cells. The mixture activates multiple cell death pathways, leading to increased neurotoxicity and the self-destruction (apoptosis) of brain cells.
Abstract
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that has been illegally used due to its hallucinogenic effects. Its use is often concomitant with drugs such as etha...
A randomised comparative study of erector spinae plane block versus low-dose ketamine-dexmedetomidine intravenous infusion as intraoperative opioid-free analgesia for modified radical mastectomy.
Indian journal of anaesthesia – July 01, 2024
Summary
New pain management approaches are revolutionizing breast cancer surgery. A combination of ketamine and dexmedetomidine through IV infusion proved more effective than nerve blocks for managing post-surgical pain. This non-narcotic approach reduced opioid use and stress responses in mastectomy patients, while providing better pain control and longer-lasting relief than traditional methods.
Abstract
Opioid-sparing analgesia for acute postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery is crucial due to opioid-related side effects. The utilisation of...
Maintenance Intramuscular Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, a Retrospective Chart Review of Efficacy, Adverse Events, and Dropouts from a Community Practice.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – November 22, 2024
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy shows remarkable promise, with over 80% of patients experiencing significant improvement in depression symptoms. This long-term study tracked 70 patients through 1,114 therapy sessions, revealing that regular maintenance treatments effectively sustained mental health benefits. The combined approach of ketamine with psychotherapy helped patients manage depression, anxiety, and substance use issues. While most side effects were minimal, one case of ketamine addiction occurred. Most patients who discontinued treatment cited practical reasons rather than medical concerns, and many continued treatment beyond one year.
Abstract
The use of ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment of depression has grown dramatically, though much of these data are sho...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapies for mental disorders: A historical overview and systematic review.
Clinical psychology review – February 02, 2026
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy significantly enhances treatment engagement and symptom reduction for various psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD. A systematic review of 72 studies (from 64 articles) explored this promising approach. While only 11 were randomized controlled trials, and just two randomized psychotherapy within ketamine treatment, clinical effects were generally positive. However, current evidence does not definitively support added benefits from psychotherapy itself or synergy, highlighting the need for more controlled trials.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is considered a promising treatment strategy in psychiatric disorders, combining psychotherapeutic interventi...
Characterizing ketamine-induced dissociation using human intracranial neurophysiology: brain dynamics, network activity, and interactions with propofol
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 02, 2022
Summary
Brain activity reveals a fascinating split: ketamine, a rapid antidepressant, boosts beneficial gamma waves in key brain regions while simultaneously creating a distinct 3 Hz oscillation linked to its dissociative effects. By observing how propofol alters these patterns, researchers pinpointed specific brain pathways involved. These findings offer crucial insights for developing safer, more targeted depression treatments.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine produce rapid and sustained anti-depressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unfortunately,...
Gastrodin Mitigates Ketamine-Induced Inhibition of F-Actin Remodeling and Cell Migration by Regulating the Rho Signaling Pathway.
Biomedicines – March 06, 2025
Summary
A natural compound from the herb Gastrodia elata shows promise in protecting cells from ketamine's disruptive effects. Gastrodin helps maintain normal cell movement and structure by regulating Rho signaling pathways and F-actin organization. Lab tests revealed it effectively counteracts ketamine's interference with cell migration in brain cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for conditions affecting cellular mobility.
Abstract
Background/Objects: Rho signaling plays a role in calcium-regulated cytoskeletal reorganization and cell movement, processes linked to neuronal fun...
Computational modeling of ketamine-induced changes in gamma-band oscillations: The contribution of parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons.
PLoS computational biology – June 09, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain activity patterns reveal fascinating insights into how this drug influences neural circuits. Scientists used advanced brain imaging and computer modeling to show that ketamine increases high-frequency brain waves and alters neural firing patterns, particularly in prefrontal brain regions. The changes appear linked to specific brain cells called parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons, which help regulate brain activity. These findings explain how ketamine affects neural communication and could inform its use in treating psychiatric conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist, produces psychotomimetic effects when administered in sub-anesthetic dosages. While previous resear...
Impact of Altered Gut Microbiota on Ketamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2024
Summary
Your gut bacteria may influence drug addiction patterns. Scientists discovered that ketamine abuse significantly alters gut microbiota composition, affecting brain chemistry through the gut-brain axis. When mice received ketamine, their intestinal bacteria changed dramatically, leading to reduced GABRA1 (a key brain receptor) and increased BDNF levels. Notably, mice with depleted gut bacteria showed different responses to ketamine, suggesting that healthy gut microbiota could be crucial in addressing addiction.
Abstract
Ketamine is a drug of abuse worldwide and current treatments for ketamine abuse are inadequate. It is an urgent need to develop novel anti-addictiv...
Acute subanesthetic ketamine-induced effects on the mismatch negativity and their relationship to early and sustained treatment response in major depressive disorder.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – February 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating severe depression by changing how the brain processes information. In a groundbreaking study, patients with major depressive disorder received either ketamine or midazolam. Brain activity measurements revealed that ketamine reduced specific neural responses called mismatch negativity. Notably, patients who showed larger decreases in these brain patterns experienced better treatment response and longer-lasting relief from depression.
Abstract
A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, produces robust antidepressant effects in treatment-resista...
Effectiveness of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review.
Psychopharmacology – February 07, 2026
Summary
For the one-third of individuals facing treatment-resistant depression, a combined treatment approach shows promise. A review of 11 studies, selected from 768 initial results, explored Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). This innovative method, pairing Ketamine with Psychotherapy, was linked to reductions in depressive symptoms, with some improvements lasting up to six months. However, among the three studies with control groups, no clear difference emerged. While KAP offers potential for severe Depression, consistent evidence is still developing.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating condition. Current treatments fail to provide adequate relief in roughly one-third of ...
Ketamine-Induced Uropathy in a High-Prevalence Region: Knowledge, Diagnostic Practices, and Treatment Patterns Among Primary and Secondary Care Providers.
Cureus – June 01, 2025
Summary
Even as ketamine misuse contributes to unique health challenges like ketamine-induced uropathy, healthcare professionals' understanding varies significantly. In regions experiencing geographic variations in drug misuse, a survey of primary care and secondary care practices revealed primary care awareness is often lower. However, a strong interest in targeted education exists among GPs to improve multidisciplinary management. This offers a positive path toward standardizing care and enhancing patient outcomes.
Abstract
Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is an emerging consequence of recreational ketamine misuse, often leading to progressive urinary tract dysfunction....
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of Co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression: A Case Study.
Journal of personality disorders – April 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with psychotherapy showed remarkable success in helping a patient overcome both borderline personality disorder and severe depression. The patient experienced significant improvement in mood stability and interpersonal relationships after receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. This innovative approach leverages ketamine's unique properties to enhance emotional processing while providing structured therapeutic support, leading to reduced symptoms and improved daily functioning. The treatment proved particularly effective in addressing the complex challenges of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of impulsivity, affective dysregulation, an...
Ketamine-induced static and dynamic functional connectivity changes are modulated by opioid receptors and biological sex in rats.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 19, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may work differently in males and females, with surprising involvement from the brain's opioid system. New research reveals that blocking opioid receptors changes how ketamine affects brain connectivity patterns, particularly in male rats. These changes were most notable in the prefrontal cortex, a key region for mood regulation, suggesting that ketamine's therapeutic benefits may rely partly on opioid system interaction.
Abstract
Subanesthetic ketamine is currently used as a rapid-acting treatment for varied neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the mechanistic underpinnings ...
Can We Better Understand, Diagnose, and Treat Ketamine-Induced Uropathy, and Can It Be Reversed? ICI-RS 2024.
Neurourology and urodynamics – March 01, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine use can lead to severe urinary complications, affecting up to 30% of regular users. Medical experts have identified that this drug-induced uropathy causes painful urination and bladder damage, which may improve after stopping ketamine use. Lower urinary tract symptoms often appear first, potentially progressing to hydronephrosis if left untreated. Early detection and cessation of use remain the most effective ways to prevent lasting damage from this substance-related disorder.
Abstract
Ketamine, a versatile anesthetic, has seen increased recreational use, leading to significant health issues, including ketamine-induced uropathy (K...