Ketamine in the treatment of cocaine use disorders
Ronaldo Cascelli Schelb Scalla Pereira, Emanuelle Emília Ferreira Parreiras, Davi Cascelli Schelb Scalla Pereira, João Eduardo Cascelli Schelb Scalla Pereira, Thaila Vidal de Oliveira, Leonardo de Paula Junqueira, Valdinei Godinho Pereira, Marcelo Barcellos da Rosa, Tiago Ricardo Moreira, Marilane de Oliveira Fani Amaro, Bruno David Henriques, Camilo Amaro de Carvalho
Ciência e Natura May 20, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.5902/2179460x44077 via OpenAlex
Summary
Ketamine's single administration resulted in a quick and lasting improvement in motivation for change in individuals with Stimulant Use Disorders, particularly cocaine use. The Readiness Score showed an increase after treatment, while the EAS-40 score indicated a slight reduction in psychiatric symptoms before and after the intervention, suggesting no worsening of mental health status.
Study at a glance
| Population | individuals with Stimulant Use Disorders, specifically cocaine users |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Ketamine's single administration led to improved motivation for change without worsening mental health status. |
Abstract
Introduction: ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and, recently, its antidepressant properties has been described. Besides, its safety has been proven in the treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. Objective: to evaluate the use of ketamine in the treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders (specially cocaine and its byproducts). Methods: patient's motivation for change was measured by URICA scale and psychiatric symptoms by EAS-40 score, both before and after the intervention. Results: it was verified, after the comparison between the Readiness Score means, an increase in the motivation for change after ketamine’s single administration, when compared to the moments before and after the intervention. Analyzing the Global Severity Index before and after ketamine administration, by EAS-40 score, we noticed a slight reduction of the psychiatric symptoms before and after the intervention. Conclusion: it was proven that ketamine's single administration led to a quick and lasting improvement on the user's motivation without worsening the mental health status.