Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Case Report.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 07, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy helped transform the life of a man with antisocial personality disorder. Over three years, low-dose ketamine sessions combined with therapy helped resolve his alcoholism, reduced violent thoughts, and improved depression. This marks a potential new avenue for treating a condition that traditionally has limited treatment options.
Abstract
There are currently no evidence-based treatment guidelines for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Instead, treatment typically focuses on comorbid conditions. There is currently no literature documenting cases or research, theoretical or otherwise of using ketamine-assisted therapy or any other psychedelic therapy in cases of ASPD. In this case report, a 43-year-old man seeking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for alcoholism and depression was diagnosed with comorbid antisocial personality disorder. A series of psycholytic (low dose) ketamine therapy sessions and other integrative approaches over the course of 3 years results in resolution of severe alcoholism, reduction in violent thoughts about people and the world, and a reduction in depression symptoms. With additional precautions, utilizing a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy approach led to clinical improvements in depression, alcohol abuse, and ASPD traits.