A retrospective report of a ketamine-augmented, transdiagnostic psychiatric outpatient psychotherapy program

A retrospective chart review of 56 Veterans who completed a program combining sublingual ketamine therapy with a transdiagnostic intensive outpatient program (IOP) found significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, along with improved quality of life. Clinically meaningful improvements were most notable among those with moderate to severe baseline symptoms. The intervention is thought to enhance neuroplasticity and emotional learning while increasing treatment engagement and long-term resiliency. The lack of a control group limits the findings, and further research is needed to validate the results and adapt the model for Veterans.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder are common among Veterans, and the presence of multiple conditions requires innovative treatment approaches. The Newly Institute in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has introduced a novel intervention combining sublingual ketamine therapy with a medically managed transdiagnostic intensive outpatient program (IOP) using evidence-based psychotherapies. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of the first cohort of individuals (N = 56) who completed the Newly program between October 2021 and May 2022. This included four psychometric measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and World Health Organization Quality of Life — Brief (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Preliminary findings reveal significant reductions in symptom severity post-treatment, with a notable proportion of patients experiencing clinically meaningful improvements in several symptom domains, particularly those with moderate to severe symptoms at baseline. In addition, WHOQOL-BREF scores increased with treatment, indicating both symptomatic and functional improvement. Discussion: The study underscores the potential of pairing ketamine with an IOP program; ketamine is thought to enhance neuroplasticity and emotional learning, and the IOP increases treatment engagement and long-term resiliency. Although limitations exist, including the lack of a control group, the study emphasizes the importance of exploring innovative transdiagnostic treatment modalities. Further research is needed to validate these findings and evaluate how this model may be adapted specifically for Veterans.