An Introduction to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Millions of people across the globe struggle with various mental health issues. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that there are many different treatment options and solutions for most of those issues. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option.
What works for some might not be the right fit for others. That’s why many people seek out alternative approaches when it comes to mental healthcare — including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
Maybe you’ve heard of KAP, but you’re not sure whether it’s right for you. Let’s take a closer look at what ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is and what to expect from this type of treatment.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
KAP utilizes small doses of ketamine to help with conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While it’s become so popular that some companies are offering at-home options, it’s typically much safer to use ketamine under the guidance and experience of a professional.
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication with dissociative properties. It’s often used in high doses in operating rooms. In low, controlled doses, it can be used to ease negative mental health symptoms right away while helping with long-lasting results.
How Does it Work?
Ketamine blocks a receptor in the brain that is responsible for mood regulation and the reception of pain. When that activity is blocked, it can instantly give you a huge mood boost. This is sometimes referred to as the “peak experience” when you’re going through KAP.
Many people experience a decrease in mental health symptoms in hours or days. Others may need multiple infusions to experience lasting results. However, the long-term goal of KAP is to achieve more sustained results.
The residual effects of KAP include a better mood, greater motivation, and more positive insight. For some, it’s a short-term therapy that can help them get through a serious bout of mental unrest. For others, KAP has become a lifelong treatment plan to maintain mental wellness.
What to Expect
No matter how many ketamine infusions you might need, they tend to look the same so that you can feel a sense of comfort and security during every treatment.
Under the direct supervision of a clinician, small doses of ketamine are given. Typically, ketamine is given intravenously. However, it can be administered in a variety of ways that might seem less invasive, including via a nasal spray or lozenge. Talk to your clinician about your options and what makes you feel the most comfortable.
There are, of course, some potential risks and side effects. Some people experience dissociation, dizziness, or headaches. Certain people with other underlying health issues might have greater risks for things like high blood pressure or heart issues with KAP. You might reconsider this type of therapy if you’re pregnant, have liver or heart disease, or deal with drug or alcohol abuse.
It’s crucial to talk to your doctor as well as a KAP specialist before deciding if the treatment is right for you.
Who Is Eligible?
KAP can be especially beneficial to patients who don’t respond well to traditional talk therapy methods, or for individuals who have treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
The unique approach offers significant benefits for people who are struggling with their mental health. But it’s understandable to have questions. While the use of ketamine is nothing new, this type of therapy is still foreign to a lot of people. There’s also still more research to be done when it comes to the lasting impact of ketamine, the benefits, as well as additional risks.
If you’re interested in learning more about KAP and whether it’s right for you, feel free to contact me for information or to set up an appointment for anxiety or depression treatment.