Exploring Ketamine’s Expanding Roles Beyond Anesthesia, Including PTSD, Chronic Pain, and Depression Treatment
Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences December 28, 2023 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.53350/pjmhs020231712310 via OpenAlex
Summary
Ketamine treatment resulted in substantial healing for chronic pain, treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients, with 78.5% showing positive responses and no reported adverse effects. This retrospective observational study assessed 70 patient records from January to June 2023 at a tertiary care setting, highlighting ketamine's potential as a fast-acting alternative therapy for refractory psychiatric conditions and pain.
Study at a glance
| Design | retrospective observational study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 70 |
| Population | patients receiving ketamine treatment for chronic pain, TRD, and PTSD |
| Key finding | 78.5% of patients had positive responses to ketamine treatment with no adverse effects. |
Abstract
Introduction: Ketamine, traditionally known for its anesthetic properties, is now being explored for its rapid-acting therapeutic effects in various psychiatric and pain-related disorders. Its emerging role in managing treatment-resistant depression (TRD), chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is supported by recent clinical evidence. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ketamine in the treatment of chronic pain, TRD, and PTSD among patients in a tertiary care setting. Materials and Method: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Anesthesia Department, Lady Reading Hospital-MTI Peshawar, Pakistan, from January, 2023 to June, 2023. Based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 70 records for patients receiving ketamine treatment were assessed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using standardized rating scales for pain, depression, and PTSD. Results: Substantial healing occurred for each condition, and symptom severity was significantly reduced following ketamine treatment. Overall, 78.5% of patients had positive responses with no adverse effects. Conclusion: Ketamine represents a viable and fast-acting alternative treatment for patients with refractory psychiatric conditions and pain. Keywords: Ketamine, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, treatment-resistant, rapid-acting therapy, NMDA antagonist.