Our lead psychiatrist breaks down the brain-boosting benefits of ketamine IV therapy.
Ketamine’s journey from its introduction in the 1960s to its current status as a respected therapy for depression and anxiety has been remarkable. Over the decades, ketamine IV therapy has garnered attention and admiration within the medical community for its profound effects on mental health conditions—specifically its impact of symptoms of major depressive disorder, including reduction of suicidal thoughts.
While the medical industry has long recognized the potential of its antidepressant effects, it’s only recently that the broader public has begun to see it as a legitimate—and lasting—option for treating depression. However, despite extensive research and medical endorsement, several outdated misconceptions persist that may dissuade patients with treatment resistant depression from ketamine infusion therapy.
Dr. Marcel Green of Hudson Mind recently addressed one of the most common misconceptions in an interview with Healing Maps: that dissociation is the sole benefit of ketamine therapy. While dissociation is common, receiving ketamine. in a clinical setting can initiate a range of mental health benefits, including restoring function and communication between regions of the brain that have been altered by chronic stress and depression. According to Dr. Green,
A common misconception about ketamine is that its benefits are purely experiential. When, in fact, ketamine activates significant physiological changes in the brain. We know that major stress and depression can change the composition of a brain, weakening synaptic connections that make it more difficult for regions of the brain to communicate.
One of the key physiological effects of low-dose ketamine treatments is the restoration of dormant neural circuits to help strengthen communication. By promoting neuroplasticity, ketamine helps repair and strengthen synaptic connections, facilitating improved communication between brain regions.
Low-dose ketamine treatments restore these dormant neural circuits by triggering the production of Glutamate, which in turn, promotes BDNF, a protein that encourages neuroplasticity in the brain.
Beyond stimulating neuroplasticity in the brain, ketamine’s dissociative effects can also be a powerful tool for managing depression and anxiety. And it’s understandable that the dissociative trips garner the lion’s share of talking points and interest. But, as Dr. Green underscores here, only focusing on the experiential effects of ketamine diminished the full scope of its healing capabilities.
Many patients do experience dissociative ketamine journeys that can be immensely helpful in uncovering subconscious insights. But only focusing on the dissociative feelings of ketamine — and ignoring ketamine’s impact on the brain’s biology — ultimately undervalues this powerful antidote to major depression.
Interest in ketamine in all of its forms—infusions, injections, Spravato nasal spray, and ketamine integration therapy—is growing. But, its impact is still constrained by some persistent myths. To separate fact from fiction, check out the full article The Biggest Misconceptions About Ketamine Therapy on Healing Maps.
