Ketamine has gained popularity in the treatment of mental health disorders, with some doctors offering injectable doses for patients to self-administer. However, concerns have been raised about the dangers of unsupervised ketamine use.
Originally approved as an anesthetic in the 1970s, ketamine has only recently been indicated for treating depression. Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical contributor, warns that ketamine can have various adverse effects, including causing hallucinations and affecting blood pressure.
While ketamine has shown effectiveness in breaking the cycle of severe depression, experts caution against unsupervised administration. A recent study by the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that nearly half of patients with severe or treatment-resistant depression experienced a significant drop in depression scores after ketamine infusions.
Dr. Justin Gerstner, a psychiatrist, acknowledges the transformative potential of ketamine therapy but highlights the lack of regulation in its administration. He describes the current landscape as akin to the 'Wild West,' emphasizing the need for standardized protocols.
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative drug by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, leading to feelings of detachment from one's body or surroundings. While ketamine is relatively safe when used as prescribed, its recreational use poses additional risks.
As the field of ketamine therapy continues to evolve, experts stress the importance of proper oversight and guidelines to ensure patient safety and maximize therapeutic benefits.
