Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Outcomes for First Responders With Comorbid Mental Health Diagnoses
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Megan Kennedy, Tarun Walia, Emma Arksey, Shannon Dames, Pamela Kryskow
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine October 17, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003579 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA qualitative case study of six firefighters with PTSD who completed a 12-week ketamine-assisted therapy program found that, beyond reducing PTSD symptoms, participants reported improvements in sleep problems, a changed relationship to music, better tolerance for sensory stimuli, and altered time perception. These themes suggest ketamine-assisted therapy may provide meaningful benefits that extend beyond symptom reduction.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Firefighters diagnosed with PTSD |
| Intervention | Ketamine-assisted therapy |
| Duration | 12-week program |
| Keywords | Medicine Medical diagnosis Mental health Medline Comorbidity |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Ketamine-assisted therapy may provide meaningful benefits beyond symptom reduction, including improvements in sleep, relationship to music, sensory tolerance, and time perception. |
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Many first responders deal with mental health challenges due to significant work-related stress. Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) has been shown to alleviate the symptoms and improve the lives of those living with PTSD. This qualitative case study explores the impacts of KAT on the firefighters beyond the initial alleviation of their PTSD symptoms. METHODS: Six firefighters who were diagnosed with PTSD participated in a 12-week KAT program, which combined several virtual Community of Practice meetings as well as in-person small group ketamine sessions. Participants were interviewed about their journey to receiving treatment, and a follow-up survey was also sent. RESULTS: The novel themes that emerged from this study include improvement in sleep problems, relationship to music, improved tolerance for sensory stimuli, and changes in time perception. CONCLUSIONS: KAT may provide meaningful benefits beyond symptom reduction.