An Overview of Ketamine Therapy for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Pain

Indications for Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy has been extensively researched for its effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. However, the potential applications of ketamine often extend beyond depression. It is used for treating a variety of other disorders, including anxiety, substance abuse (encompassing alcohol, cocaine, and opioids), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.

Many individuals seek alternative treatments such as ketamine therapy to avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with oral antidepressants, such as decreased libido, weight gain, and disruptions in sleep and mood. Therefore, ketamine therapy might be considered an early alternative to traditional antidepressants, rather than being reserved solely for those labeled as treatment-resistant—defined as a lack of satisfactory response to at least two different antidepressant treatments administered at adequate doses and durations.

Depression:

• After a single infusion, studies have shown a 71% response rate at day one, with peak antidepressant effects occurring at 24 hours.
• A remission rate greater than 50% has been observed for depression following ketamine therapy.
• The average time to relapse from another depressive episode is approximately three weeks after a single infusion of ketamine. However, multiple infusions, such as a series of six sessions, can extend the duration between recurrent depressive episodes, with symptom relief often lasting many months.

When ketamine therapy is combined with psychotherapy, as practiced at Innerbloom, the effects tend to be more pronounced and enduring. This approach may offer long-term relief from symptoms, reducing the need for recurrent ketamine treatments. In fact, most patients do not require ongoing therapy.

Anxiety

• Individuals with anxiety disorders often have comorbid depression, making ketamine an effective treatment for both conditions.
• Studies have demonstrated significant benefits of ketamine for patients with anxiety and treatment-resistant depression. A single infusion of ketamine can alleviate anxiety symptoms within hours, with effects that may persist for up to two weeks.
• The standard practice of administering repeated doses, involving six IV infusions, may significantly reduce anxiety levels, with a remarkable response rate of 83% as reported in studies utilizing a low dose range from 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg.

PTSD

• Many people mistakenly believe that PTSD only affects military personnel with combat experience. However, PTSD can arise from a broad range of traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, and other significant personal traumas.
• Approximately one in three individuals who experience a severely traumatic event will develop PTSD.
• The lifetime incidence of PTSD ranges between 6-9%, with rates around 13% among U.S. veterans.
• Studies have demonstrated that individuals suffering from chronic PTSD can experience relief from symptoms as soon as 24 hours after receiving ketamine treatment.
• Remission rates of up to 80% have been reported with repeated ketamine infusions—specifically, six infusions over a twelve-day period for PTSD.

Suicide

• On average, there are 132 suicides per day, or approximately one death every 11 minutes.
• Clinical studies have demonstrated that a single ketamine infusion can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts within just one hour.
• Individuals who received ketamine experienced complete remission of suicidal ideation at a rate of 63% by the third day, and these high remission rates (70%) persisted even through the six-week mark. This stands in stark contrast to other acute suicide treatment methods like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), where only 38% were free of suicidal thoughts after three treatments.

Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

• Studies suggest that low-dose ketamine can effectively treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), leading to reduced alcohol cravings and intake.
• In this clinical trial, patients who were given three weekly ketamine treatments had significantly more days abstinent from alcohol compared to the placebo group at six month follow-up; 86% of participated were still sober after six months.
• Be sure to read testimonials from two Innerbloom patients here and here, who found relief and sobriety after undergoing ketamine therapy.
• In some trials, ketamine has shown promise in treating cocaine and opioid use disorders.
• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may increase abstinence rates and curb cravings, with slightly higher doses thought to be more effective.
• Additionally, ketamine may ease opiate withdrawal, reducing the need for other medications to manage symptoms.
• One study aimed to assess the impact of ketamine as an intervention to discontinue benzodiazepines in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study revealed that after a six-session ketamine intervention, 91% successfully discontinued benzodiazepines. Furthermore, 64% remained benzodiazepine-free over a 12-month follow-up, with significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and suicidality observed.

Chronic Pain Disorders

• Ketamine may also be an option for chronic pain disorders and syndromes such a fibromyalgia, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), arthritic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and endometriosis.
• When ketamine is specifically employed for pain treatment, the dosage may be higher than that used for mood disorders, potentially requiring longer infusion times (e.g., 1 hour).
• In a study, patients with fibromyalgia who received a single dose of ketamine infusion experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity scores, exceeding 50%.
• Ketamine is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which are believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of various pain conditions and disorders, including fibromyalgia.

Contraindications (Who Should Avoid Ketamine Therapy)

Ketamine therapy is not suitable for everyone, and certain individuals should avoid it due to specific health risks. Contraindications for ketamine include:

• Severe Cardiovascular Conditions: Patients with unstable heart disease, including conditions such as congestive heart failure and unstable coronary artery disease, as well as those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or other serious heart conditions, should avoid ketamine therapy.
• Psychotic Disorders: Individuals with a history of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, or those currently experiencing the active manic phase of bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms worsen due to the psychotomimetic effects of ketamine.
• Uncontrolled Thyroid Disease: Individuals with uncontrolled thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, should avoid ketamine due to concerns about potential complications like tachycardia and arrhythmias.
• Substance Use Disorders: Although ketamine is used in treating certain substance use disorders, it should be avoided in individuals with a history of ketamine abuse due to the potential for misuse and dependence.
• Pregnancy: Due to the lack of extensive research on its safety in these populations, ketamine is generally contraindicated for pregnant women.
• Severe Liver Disease: Patients with significant liver impairment should avoid ketamine, as it is metabolized by the liver and may exacerbate liver conditions.
• Allergy to Ketamine: Individuals who have had previous allergic reactions to ketamine should not undergo ketamine therapy.

Ketamine's Mechanism of Action for Mental Health Disorders

Ketamine is primarily known for its rapid antidepressant effects, which can be significant for treatment-resistant depression as well as other mood disorders. The key mechanisms include:

• NMDA Receptor Antagonism: Ketamine is best known as an NMDA receptor antagonist. By blocking these receptors, which are part of the glutamate pathway, ketamine affects neurotransmitter activity, leading to rapid changes in mood and thought patterns. This triggers a cascade of changes in the brain, resulting in increased neuroplasticity—essentially, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which is thought to contribute to mood improvement. This mechanism is different from traditional antidepressants, which primarily target the serotonin system.
• BDNF Release: Ketamine promotes the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a critical role in neurogenesis, causing the regrowth and strengthening of broken connections in stressed brains. This enhances the brain's ability to communicate and function optimally.
• Reopening of Critical Periods: Recent research indicates that ketamine has the potential to reopen what are known as "critical periods" for social reward learning. Ketamine seems to induce a mental state reminiscent of youthful receptivity, making learning and behavioral changes more accessible and attainable. This parallels the idea that learning a new language is notably easier during one's early years when the mind is more adaptable and open to embracing new concepts.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Studies suggest that ketamine may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could also contribute to its antidepressant properties, as inflammation is thought to be a factor in some cases of depression.

How Does Ketamine Treatment Alleviate Pain?

Ketamine's effectiveness in pain management is primarily through its action on the central nervous system:

• NMDA Receptor Blockade: NMDA receptors are a type of glutamate receptor involved in the transmission of pain signals within the central nervous system. By blocking these receptors, ketamine can dampen the transmission of pain signals to the brain and spinal cord.
• Anti-inflammatory Effect: Ketamine has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory molecules such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), which plays a role in several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
• Central Sensitization Inhibition: After years of chronic pain, often associated with the use of analgesics such as opioids, the nervous system may become hypersensitive to pain signals. Ketamine may help reprocess and "reset" the pain threshold back to a normal level.
• Neuroplasticity and Pain Perception: Ketamine induces a process that repairs injured nerve cells and promotes the creation of new neural pathways, potentially altering the perception and processing of pain. Some individuals report developing a new relationship, acceptance, and understanding of their pain. Through this mechanism, incorporating psychotherapy may provide utility, helping individuals achieve lasting effects similar to those observed with ketamine in treating mood disorders such as depression.

The Ketamine Infusion Experience

• The purpose of the infusion process is to safely administer ketamine while ensuring the most comfortable experience possible. Some individuals may undergo a dissociative state or "trip," which is a natural part of the process.
• It is important to understand that the healing process and antidepressant effects occur after infusions during the neuroplastic process
• Some individuals find meaning in their ketamine experiences with new ideas or feelings brought up to the forefront of their mind, which offers them something to work with internally or with a therapist. Others will have an experience filled with random thoughts and imagery that is difficult to understand. Individuals are reassured that it’s normal to have unusual or random experiences, because the healing is caused by structural changing of the brain, such as neurogenesis, which happened days to weeks post infusion.
• Some experiences will be very pleasurable, relaxing, and meditative, while others will be challenging; the ketamine experience may bring out subconscious issues such as memories or trauma that can feel overwhelming or emotional.
• A challenging trip (rather than the term “bad" trip) can still be very therapeutic, and potentially even more can be gained and used from these tough experiences.

Ketamine's Different Routes of Administration

Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM)

• IV is the preferred route for safety and efficacy.
• IV and IM ketamine rapidly alleviate symptoms, often within hours to days, in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
• Studies show IV ketamine has a higher efficacy than oral and nasal forms, with a response rate of 75-80% in treating depression.
• IV is the preferred route for safety and efficacy.
• IV ketamine ensures 100% bioavailability, allowing for lower doses that minimize side effects.
• It allows for precise control over the infusion, quick adjustment of doses, and immediate treatment of side effects like nausea, hypertension, and tachycardia.
• The effects of IV ketamine are predictable and consistent.
• The IV and IM forms are the most extensively researched and supported in the scientific community.

Nasal

• Nasal ketamine is 40% bioavailable and offers a less predictable experience (i.e., the dose is dependent on the rate of absorption and other patient-specific factors).
• There is no ability to stop or reverse the dose; instead, the patient must wait for the effects to "run their course" and wear off.
• More treatments are required to achieve remission with nasal ketamine compared to IV ketamine.
• Expected response rates for nasal ketamine range between 35-50%.

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Oral and At-Home Ketamine

• Some studies have reported that it takes 4 to 6 weeks to observe any antidepressant effects with oral ketamine, similar to traditional antidepressant medications.
• Oral ketamine requires much higher doses and has a greater potential for side effects due to its lower bioavailability of approximately 20%.
• When taken at home, patients are not monitored, which increases the risk for abuse or misuse and potentially reduces therapeutic benefits.
• Recent reports reveal that more than 50% of Americans misuse at-home ketamine, often accidentally or intentionally using more than the recommended dose.

Types of Responders to Ketamine Therapy

• Early Responders: Show improvements after 1 or 2 treatments.
• Standard Responders: Experience incremental improvements within 3 or 4 treatments.
• Late Responders: May require 5 or more treatments before noticing any benefits. By the sixth infusion, 80% of individuals who respond to ketamine can be identified. For some, a longer course of treatment is required.
• Non-responders: 15-20% of individuals do not experience antidepressant effects from ketamine. Non-ketamine treatment alternatives for non-responders include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Interactions with Medications and Potential Inhibitors of Ketamine

• Benzodiazepines and lamotrigine may diminish the effectiveness of ketamine. When possible, patients are requested to refrain from taking these medications on infusion days.
• Alcohol can also hinder the antidepressant effects of ketamine. Additionally, some individuals may be sensitive to other substances, such as cannabis, which might interfere with the action of ketamine.

Ketamine Safety

• For a thorough exploration of ketamine's safety, I recommend reading "Ketamine: Navigating Risks, Mitigating Misuse, and Confronting Potential Addiction".
• One of the key advantages of ketamine is that it does not compromise breathing, and it can even slightly stimulate heart rate and blood pressure, rather than reducing them to dangerously low levels, as seen with other medications (e.g. benzodiazepines and opioids).
• Ketamine has minimal interactions with other medications, allowing for safe co-administration with drugs like antidepressants.
• Approximately 5% of patients experience nausea, which may be associated with high dosages and visual stimulation, particularly when individuals do not wear eye shades during their treatments. However, if patients are more prone to nausea or experience it after an infusion, we may opt to use an antiemetic IV medication such as Ondansetron (Zofran).
• Rarely some may experience anxiety given the normal emotional response from the medicine; this typically does not require pharmacological treatment, but rather reassurance and sometimes physical touch (e.g., hand holding)
• Ketamine is not physically addictive. Chronic and frequent use of ketamine, often associated with at-home use, can lead to psychological addiction.
• Recreational abuse of ketamine may cause bladder injury known as interstitial cystitis which is associated with daily high dosages (1+ grams); this can lead to a stiff bladder with decreased volume capacity.

Innerbloom's Philosophy of Care

• Ketamine alone may not be sufficient to "cure" depression or other mental health disorders. At Innerbloom, we advocate integrating psychotherapy to foster a more holistic and enduring response.
• Ketamine serves as a tool or catalyst for change and transformation, rather than a silver bullet. It can help interrupt negative thought patterns, maladaptive behaviors, or destructive life cycles, promoting a pathway to healing.
• Unlike antidepressants, which are typically designed for daily use to treat symptoms, ketamine should be administered sparingly with ample preparation and mindfulness. This series of infusions is aimed at addressing the root cause of problems rather than merely masking or numbing effects. This approach allows patients to regain their footing and implement healthy lifestyle changes.
• Preparation, integration, and psychotherapy are crucial to the proper and safe utilization of ketamine, ensuring that it complements a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Ketamine Infusion Process Explained

• Standard Infusion Protocol: Patients generally undergo a series of six or more 40-minute infusions spread over 2 to 6 weeks. To support the treatment's efficacy, it's recommended to schedule 1 to 3 infusions per week. This regimen is complemented by a minimum of three psychotherapy sessions to enhance the psychological benefits of ketamine.
• Booster Infusions: For patients who have completed the initial series of six infusions, booster doses are available. These boosters help maintain the therapeutic effects over a longer period and are tailored to individual needs. For further details on the potential need for booster infusions as part of a maintenance phase of care, be sure to read this article.
• Minimum Effective Dose: Single infusions are not recommended as they are typically insufficient to gauge the full therapeutic response. A sequence of 4 to 5 infusions is considered necessary to effectively assess a patient's reaction to the treatment and determine whether they are non-responders.
• Safety and Monitoring: During each infusion, a dedicated sitter is present to ensure the patient's safety and provide support. This close monitoring is crucial for managing any immediate side effects and enhancing the overall comfort of the patient during the treatment process.

What to Expect After Infusion

• Patients will need a ride home and are encouraged to have a restful day afterward. They should expect to feel back to baseline within about 3 hours, given that the half-life of ketamine is 2.2 hours. However, they cannot drive for at least 12 hours after the infusion.
• Rest and hydration are essential following the infusion. Some patients may find it difficult to sleep that night, while others might experience a very restful slumber.
• Patients can expect to return to work, school, and their daily routines the next day.
• Be sure to read Innerbloom's article, 5 Things to Do on the Day You Receive Ketamine Therapy.

Preparation

• Preparation prior to infusions appears to be beneficial for achieving the proper mindset that allows for a therapeutic response; the goal of preparation is to maximize benefits and avoid potential risks or side effects.
• At Innerbloom, preparation begins with the client's first psychotherapy appointment with our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) therapist. This includes education, attention to set and setting, and making use of strong support systems while setting intentions.

Integration

• Integration refers to what is done after infusions or in between treatment sessions; this includes plans of action and changes in lifestyle in positive ways to achieve long lasting results after ketamine therapy.
• Ketamine therapy alone may have beneficial effects, although integration enhances the therapeutic potential of the medicine to achieve long lasting results.
• Integration includes self-reflection, developing new healthy routines and daily habits with help from a professional, such as a therapist which may ultimately lead to long-term positive life changes.
• At Innerbloom, integration is an integral part of the process and is included in the psychotherapy sessions involved throughout the treatment.