Ketamine therapy has become an increasingly discussed option for individuals living with depression, particularly when traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief. While ketamine is sometimes misunderstood due to reports of misuse, its use in medical settings is supported by decades of research and clinical experience.
In a recent Eye on Health segment on KVAL, Camille Pincock, partner and medical provider at Lonerock Clinic, discussed how ketamine works in the brain, its history in medicine, and why structured, medically supervised care is essential when using ketamine for depression.
This article expands on that conversation to provide a clearer understanding of ketamine therapy, how it supports brain health, and what distinguishes safe clinical programs from unsafe use.
What Is Ketamine, and Why Is It Used for Depression?
Ketamine was approved by the FDA in the 1970s and has long been used as an anesthetic in hospitals and surgical settings. In the early 2000s, researchers began formally studying ketamine for depression and suicidal ideation after observing rapid improvements in mood among certain patients.
Since then, studies have shown that ketamine can improve depression outcomes, particularly for individuals who have not responded to standard antidepressants. Unlike medications that primarily affect serotonin, ketamine works through glutamate pathways in the brain, offering a different mechanism of action.
In 2019, the FDA approved esketamine (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms associated with suicidal thoughts, reflecting years of research into ketamine-based therapies.
You might also be interested in Eugene’s Guide to Spravato®: A Breakthrough for Treatment-Resistant Depression.
How Ketamine Works in the Brain
Ketamine is considered a partial dissociative, meaning it temporarily alters perception and awareness. It affects neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in brain growth and adaptability.
BDNF supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. Depression and trauma are often associated with rigid neural patterns that keep individuals feeling stuck. By increasing neuroplasticity, ketamine may help the brain become more flexible, creating an opportunity for new thought patterns and emotional responses.
This window of increased adaptability is one reason ketamine is often paired with therapeutic support and careful follow-up.
The Importance of Medical Supervision and Safety
Concerns about ketamine typically arise from its misuse outside of healthcare settings. When ketamine is taken without proper screening, dosing, or monitoring, it can pose significant risks and lacks therapeutic structure.
Medically supervised ketamine therapy is different. Clinical programs follow strict protocols that prioritize patient safety and informed care. These protocols generally include medical evaluations, mental health assessments, controlled administration, and ongoing monitoring.
Safety is not only about the medication itself but also about how it is delivered, who is guiding the process, and what support exists before and after treatment.
What a Structured Ketamine Therapy Program Involves
A comprehensive ketamine therapy program begins with determining whether treatment is appropriate for an individual’s medical history and mental health needs. This evaluation helps reduce risk and sets clear expectations.
Treatment occurs in a controlled environment with trained medical staff present. Following treatment, integration and follow-up care help individuals process their experience and apply insights in a way that supports long-term mental health goals.
When ketamine therapy is paired with proper protocols and therapeutic support, it can become part of a broader, patient-centered approach to mental health care rather than a standalone intervention.
READ: Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Breakthrough Option at Lonerock Clinic.
Watch the Eye on Health Segment
To learn more directly from Camille Pincock about ketamine therapy for depression, watch the full Eye on Health segment aired on KVAL.
If you’re ready to explore relief, healing, and renewed hope, our Mental Health & Ketamine-Assisted Therapy team is here to guide you. Get started today by connecting with our team and discovering whether ketamine therapy is the right next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy for Depression
Is ketamine therapy approved for depression?
Yes, a form of ketamine called esketamine, marketed as Spravato, was approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms associated with suicidality. Other forms of ketamine are used in clinical settings under medical supervision based on extensive research and established medical protocols.
How does ketamine therapy work for depression?
Ketamine works by affecting glutamate pathways in the brain and increasing neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This process may help interrupt rigid thought patterns associated with depression, allowing individuals to respond more flexibly to therapy and emotional experiences.
How quickly can ketamine therapy affect depression symptoms?
Some individuals experience changes in mood or thinking within hours to days after ketamine treatment, which is faster than many traditional antidepressants. However, response times vary, and ketamine therapy is typically part of a broader treatment plan rather than a single intervention.
Is ketamine therapy safe when used for depression?
Ketamine therapy can be safe when provided in a medically supervised setting that includes proper screening, controlled dosing, monitoring, and follow-up care. Risks increase significantly when ketamine is used outside clinical programs without medical oversight or structured protocols.
Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy may be considered for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, persistent depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation. A thorough medical and mental health evaluation is essential to determine whether ketamine is appropriate based on a person’s health history and current condition.
Why is follow-up and integration care important after ketamine therapy?
Follow-up and integration care help individuals process their experience, apply insights gained during treatment, and reinforce healthier emotional and behavioral patterns. This step supports longer-term outcomes and ensures ketamine therapy is used as part of a comprehensive, patient-centered care approach.
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