KETAMINE THERAPY: FACTS & MISCONCEPTIONS
An Alternative Approach to Mental Health Treatment (Ketamine Therapy: Part 2)
Debunking the Myths & Misconceptions about Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
In today’s post, I am debunking some of the most common myths & misconceptions about ketamine-assisted therapy. Some of these, I’ve held myself, others I’ve heard floating around the rumor mill. If you have not already, please refer to the last blog post I made on this topic to learn more about Ketamine Therapy as a treatment modality, the current science, the controversy, and the legal status of this treatment.
For the purpose of this blog post, I’ll assume you have some basic knowledge and understanding of what ketamine therapy is and how it is used. As you can imagine, it’s a weighted topic. Lots of stigma, many strong viewpoints, lots of opinions… and rightly so. My intention is not to sway you in one direction or another. Nor is it to share my thoughts and opinions about it, because honestly, that’s not my scope of practice nor my intention. I want to talk about the myths, misconceptions, and facts (because that’s what I find most interesting) so that YOU can be a deciphering, knowledgeable consumer and formulate an opinion about it :) So, let’s dive it.
Misconception #1: Ketamine therapy is for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Fact: Many people (who have heard of Ketamine Assisted Therapy) have been told it is for depression. And yes, Ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression, this is true. However, there is mounting evidence to support its benefits extending far beyond depression. It has also been used to treat a variety of other mental health disorders, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. It works by quieting down the default mode network (part of the brain that is active when we are not focusing in on a task), just so happens to be part of the brain that suffers when we a.) get older (hello rigid thought patterns and behaviors) and b.) suffer from anxiety, OCD — anything that has to do with ruminating thoughts.
Misconception #2: Ketamine therapy is something I have to do/take for life (similar to other mental health medications)
Fact: Many people think of Ketamine in the same class of medication as say SSRIs or other mental health medications that you have to take…forever… in order to see/feel/obtain some sort of relief and benefit. Ketamine therapy is different. It is typically administered over the course of a few consecutive sessions, usually once a week for 4-6 weeks. The number of sessions and the length of treatment vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. Unlike SSRIs (one of the most common medications used to treat depression), you do not need to continually administer ketamine to receive the positive effects. It helps you access another state of consciousness, a state of thinking… that lifts the feeling of depression and quiets the default mode network.
Misconception #3: Ketamine is dangerous.
Fact: If you live in Europe or Australia you probably associate Ketamine with less than pleasant people, situations, and events (or maybe you live in America like me…) I don’t know. I didn’t really have the opportunity to formulate an opinion about Ketamine growing up because I didn’t know anyone who took it…recreationally or otherwise. Ketamine has been safely used as an effective anesthetic in medical settings around the world since the early 1960s. When used in low doses, and under careful medical supervision, it is safe and effective in treating mental health conditions.
Misconception #4: Ketamine is a recreational drug.
Fact: Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, meaning, it should only be used under medical supervision. Ketamine therapy is not the same as recreational ketamine use. Like any drug, there are associated side effects and risks, but its potentially life-altering (in the best way possible) treatment implications should be separated from the recreational use stigma.
Misconception #5: Once I start Ketamine Therapy, I won’t be able to stop.
Fact: It is true that ketamine can be habit-forming, however, the doses provided in therapeutic settings are much lower than the doses used recreationally. When ketamine is administered under the supervision of a medical or mental health professional, it can be closely monitored for addiction or harmful potential.
Misconception #6: The only way to take ketamine is intravenously or through injection.
Fact: Ketamine therapy can be administered in a variety of different ways: IV, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, or oral lozenge. The method of administration varies depending on the patient's needs, the treatment setting, etc.
Misconception #7: Ketamine therapy is a cure for mental health disorders.
Fact: There is no “cure” for mental health conditions. There are treatments that vary in effectiveness. Ketamine therapy can be a highly effective treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder because it opens up your mind, helps you think in new ways, access new belief patterns, and creates new neural pathways. But no, it is not a cure. Like anything mental health conditions and situations, lifestyle, mindset, and continued ongoing therapeutic support are part of treatment.
If you are struggling with any mental health challenge and have not obtained relief from traditional treatment (be it from therapy or medication), it might be time to consider other options. While ketamine is certainly not right for everyone, evidence is mounting to support its use within the mental health sphere as a powerful, fast-acting, long-lasting treatment.
Don't just my word for it - educate yourself on this treatment option and speak with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it would be right for you. You can learn more about this treatment modality by visiting Wondermed.
That is it for today! Sending you all my love!!
XOX Dr. Jenn