Is Ketamine Assisted Therapy right for you?
What is Ketamine assisted therapy (KAP) useful for?
While it doesn’t work for everyone, ketamine’s success rate of 85% is almost double that of traditional antidepressants (45%). It’s also highly effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression, even if their symptoms have persisted for decades without relief. Ketamine also shows great promise in quickly and reliably eliminating suicidal thoughts, essentially making ketamine the first emergency “anti-suicide” drug.
What can I expect to feel during and after a KAP session?
Some of the physiological effects experienced during KAP sessions include changes in perception of, and sensitivity to, light and sound. People describe experiences of lightness, floating, and drifting and reduced control over willful motor functions such as speaking or walking. These phenomena are often experienced with amusement or relief. At the dosage levels we use, individuals may or may not always maintain conscious awareness of where they are or remain responsive to their surroundings. Even at lower doses, some patients have out of body experiences. The session will last approximately two to three hours.
What kind of changes can I expect to see from a KAP session?
Some clients reported that over time Ketamine helps to retrain the mind, brain, and personality system to become more relaxed, flexible, creative, and self-compassionate. Psychedelic induced and enhanced neuroplasticity effects in the brain may play a part in the types of positive cognitive, personality and behavior shift that Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) foster.
What are the contraindications of KAP ?
Ketamine is extremely safe and adverse medical or psychological events are rare. However, there are contraindications that must be considered before undergoing this type of therapy.
1.History of allergic reaction: Individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction to ketamine or any other related medications should not receive ketamine.
2. Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Ketamine can temporarily raise blood pressure, so individuals with uncontrolled hypertension may be at higher risk for complications.
3. History of psychotic disorders: Ketamine can induce dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, which may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
4. Substance abuse history: Ketamine has the potential for misuse and addiction. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction may be at higher risk and should be closely monitored.
5. Active or recent cardiovascular disease: Ketamine can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions, such as recent heart attack or severe heart failure, may be at higher risk and should be cautious.
6. Severe liver or kidney disease: Ketamine is metabolized and eliminated by the liver and kidneys. Individuals with severe impairment of these organs may have difficulty processing and eliminating ketamine, leading to potential complications.
7. Medications: Ketamine can interact with several medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. It's important to inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
How Many Sessions will be Needed?
The number of sessions needed is variable, depending on overall treatment goals and responsiveness to the treatment. Current research shows that 70% of patients with treatment resistant depression respond positively to 1-3 administrations, and 30-60% report having a remission of their depression for varying lengths of time. It seems that with repeated drug sessions, and in combination with psychotherapy, there is a cumulative antidepressant effect.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy can be a life saving option for individuals struggling with depression and other mental health conditions. Its unique mechanism of action and promising results have made it an increasingly popular alternative treatment. The healing potential is undeniable. With proper support and preparation, Ketamine assisted therapy can be a transformative treatment.
