The Effect of Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy on Treatment-Resistant Mental Health Conditions in Firefighters: A Prospective Observational Case Series.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine – June 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Firefighters experiencing PTSD and depression found remarkable relief through an innovative combination of ketamine and group therapy. This groundbreaking treatment helped first responders return to work and daily life with significantly reduced symptoms. The 12-week program, blending psychedelic-assisted therapy with peer support, showed lasting benefits. Participants reported major improvements in anxiety and trauma symptoms that persisted six months after treatment, marking a promising advance in mental health care for emergency personnel.
Abstract
Firefighters display elevated risk for diagnoses of mental health illnesses. Psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise in the treatment of clinically challenging conditions. This observational case series analyzed data from firefighters with mental health diagnoses who participated in a 12-week ketamine-assisted group therapy treatment plan. Questionnaire scores (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist -5, Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning ) collected throughout the program were scored and statistically analyzed for changes. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Significant decreases with large effect sizes were detected in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 scores after completion in the 12-week treatment plan, which persisted 6 months later. Participants noted it was beneficial being in a cohort with fellow firefighters. Statistically and clinically significant improvements to posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety diagnoses were detected in the cohort of firefighters after the Roots to Thrive Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy program, with results retained six months post treatment.