1731 results for "Ketamine"
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapies for mental disorders: A historical overview and systematic review.
Clinical psychology review – February 02, 2026
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy significantly enhances treatment engagement and symptom reduction for various psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD. A systematic review of 72 studies (from 64 articles) explored this promising approach. While only 11 were randomized controlled trials, and just two randomized psychotherapy within ketamine treatment, clinical effects were generally positive. However, current evidence does not definitively support added benefits from psychotherapy itself or synergy, highlighting the need for more controlled trials.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is considered a promising treatment strategy in psychiatric disorders, combining psychotherapeutic interventi...
Characterizing ketamine-induced dissociation using human intracranial neurophysiology: brain dynamics, network activity, and interactions with propofol
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 02, 2022
Summary
Brain activity reveals a fascinating split: ketamine, a rapid antidepressant, boosts beneficial gamma waves in key brain regions while simultaneously creating a distinct 3 Hz oscillation linked to its dissociative effects. By observing how propofol alters these patterns, researchers pinpointed specific brain pathways involved. These findings offer crucial insights for developing safer, more targeted depression treatments.
Abstract
Subanesthetic doses of ketamine produce rapid and sustained anti-depressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unfortunately,...
Gastrodin Mitigates Ketamine-Induced Inhibition of F-Actin Remodeling and Cell Migration by Regulating the Rho Signaling Pathway.
Biomedicines – March 06, 2025
Summary
A natural compound from the herb Gastrodia elata shows promise in protecting cells from ketamine's disruptive effects. Gastrodin helps maintain normal cell movement and structure by regulating Rho signaling pathways and F-actin organization. Lab tests revealed it effectively counteracts ketamine's interference with cell migration in brain cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for conditions affecting cellular mobility.
Abstract
Background/Objects: Rho signaling plays a role in calcium-regulated cytoskeletal reorganization and cell movement, processes linked to neuronal fun...
Computational modeling of ketamine-induced changes in gamma-band oscillations: The contribution of parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons.
PLoS computational biology – June 09, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain activity patterns reveal fascinating insights into how this drug influences neural circuits. Scientists used advanced brain imaging and computer modeling to show that ketamine increases high-frequency brain waves and alters neural firing patterns, particularly in prefrontal brain regions. The changes appear linked to specific brain cells called parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons, which help regulate brain activity. These findings explain how ketamine affects neural communication and could inform its use in treating psychiatric conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist, produces psychotomimetic effects when administered in sub-anesthetic dosages. While previous resear...
Impact of Altered Gut Microbiota on Ketamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2024
Summary
Your gut bacteria may influence drug addiction patterns. Scientists discovered that ketamine abuse significantly alters gut microbiota composition, affecting brain chemistry through the gut-brain axis. When mice received ketamine, their intestinal bacteria changed dramatically, leading to reduced GABRA1 (a key brain receptor) and increased BDNF levels. Notably, mice with depleted gut bacteria showed different responses to ketamine, suggesting that healthy gut microbiota could be crucial in addressing addiction.
Abstract
Ketamine is a drug of abuse worldwide and current treatments for ketamine abuse are inadequate. It is an urgent need to develop novel anti-addictiv...
Acute subanesthetic ketamine-induced effects on the mismatch negativity and their relationship to early and sustained treatment response in major depressive disorder.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – February 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating severe depression by changing how the brain processes information. In a groundbreaking study, patients with major depressive disorder received either ketamine or midazolam. Brain activity measurements revealed that ketamine reduced specific neural responses called mismatch negativity. Notably, patients who showed larger decreases in these brain patterns experienced better treatment response and longer-lasting relief from depression.
Abstract
A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, produces robust antidepressant effects in treatment-resista...
Effectiveness of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review.
Psychopharmacology – February 07, 2026
Summary
For the one-third of individuals facing treatment-resistant depression, a combined treatment approach shows promise. A review of 11 studies, selected from 768 initial results, explored Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). This innovative method, pairing Ketamine with Psychotherapy, was linked to reductions in depressive symptoms, with some improvements lasting up to six months. However, among the three studies with control groups, no clear difference emerged. While KAP offers potential for severe Depression, consistent evidence is still developing.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating condition. Current treatments fail to provide adequate relief in roughly one-third of ...
Ketamine-Induced Uropathy in a High-Prevalence Region: Knowledge, Diagnostic Practices, and Treatment Patterns Among Primary and Secondary Care Providers.
Cureus – June 01, 2025
Summary
Even as ketamine misuse contributes to unique health challenges like ketamine-induced uropathy, healthcare professionals' understanding varies significantly. In regions experiencing geographic variations in drug misuse, a survey of primary care and secondary care practices revealed primary care awareness is often lower. However, a strong interest in targeted education exists among GPs to improve multidisciplinary management. This offers a positive path toward standardizing care and enhancing patient outcomes.
Abstract
Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is an emerging consequence of recreational ketamine misuse, often leading to progressive urinary tract dysfunction....
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of Co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression: A Case Study.
Journal of personality disorders – April 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with psychotherapy showed remarkable success in helping a patient overcome both borderline personality disorder and severe depression. The patient experienced significant improvement in mood stability and interpersonal relationships after receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. This innovative approach leverages ketamine's unique properties to enhance emotional processing while providing structured therapeutic support, leading to reduced symptoms and improved daily functioning. The treatment proved particularly effective in addressing the complex challenges of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of impulsivity, affective dysregulation, an...
Ketamine-induced static and dynamic functional connectivity changes are modulated by opioid receptors and biological sex in rats.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 19, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may work differently in males and females, with surprising involvement from the brain's opioid system. New research reveals that blocking opioid receptors changes how ketamine affects brain connectivity patterns, particularly in male rats. These changes were most notable in the prefrontal cortex, a key region for mood regulation, suggesting that ketamine's therapeutic benefits may rely partly on opioid system interaction.
Abstract
Subanesthetic ketamine is currently used as a rapid-acting treatment for varied neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the mechanistic underpinnings ...
Can We Better Understand, Diagnose, and Treat Ketamine-Induced Uropathy, and Can It Be Reversed? ICI-RS 2024.
Neurourology and urodynamics – March 01, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine use can lead to severe urinary complications, affecting up to 30% of regular users. Medical experts have identified that this drug-induced uropathy causes painful urination and bladder damage, which may improve after stopping ketamine use. Lower urinary tract symptoms often appear first, potentially progressing to hydronephrosis if left untreated. Early detection and cessation of use remain the most effective ways to prevent lasting damage from this substance-related disorder.
Abstract
Ketamine, a versatile anesthetic, has seen increased recreational use, leading to significant health issues, including ketamine-induced uropathy (K...
Planar cell polarity proteins mediate ketamine-induced restoration of glutamatergic synapses in prefrontal cortical neurons in a mouse model for chronic stress.
Nature communications – June 10, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, known for its rapid antidepressant effects, works by repairing crucial brain connections damaged by chronic stress. New research reveals how this drug activates specific cellular pathways to restore communication between brain cells in the prefrontal cortex. By targeting special proteins involved in cell organization, ketamine helps rebuild vital neural connections and reduces depression-like behaviors in mice, offering insights into its therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Single administration of low-dose ketamine has both acute and sustained anti-depressant effects. Sustained effect is associated with restoration of...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Provides Lasting and Effective Results in the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at 3 and 6 Months: Findings from a Large Retrospective Effectiveness Study.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research shows that combining ketamine with psychotherapy offers lasting relief for mental health conditions. This innovative treatment reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients who hadn't responded to conventional treatments. After 4-6 guided sessions, participants reported significant improvements that lasted up to 6 months, with 50-75% experiencing meaningful symptom reduction at 3 months post-treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging treatment option to alleviate treatment-resistant affective disorders, but its long-term effec...
Ketamine-Enhanced Psychotherapy: Preliminary Clinical Observations on its Effects in Treating Death Anxiety
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2007
Summary
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, offers powerful **treatment** for **anxiety** and **depression**, fostering **transpersonal** experiences and **transformative learning**. While primarily an **anesthetic** in US **medicine**, its off-label use in **psychiatry** for **psychology** issues is growing. A review of **psychedelics and drug studies** highlights its promise. **Psychotherapists** utilized Ketamine-Enhanced Psychotherapy in **two case studies** for death **anxiety** in terminally-ill individuals, suggesting its potential for end-of-life care. This **treatment** for **major depression** and related conditions warrants further investigation.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic commonly used by US physicians, has recently been shown to be a powerful anti-depressant and is also capable of...
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
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 clinic...
Understanding the Experience of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and the Importance of Context.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – July 02, 2025
Summary
For those battling depression, the environment surrounding treatment can be as vital as the therapy itself. Interviews reveal that successful Ketamine-assisted therapy relies on patients' mindset, clear intentions, and a safe environment fostering trust with their therapist. Music also enhances the experience. These insights help optimize this promising therapy.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) is a novel modality that shows promise as a treatment for depression. The current study sought to add to the scarce...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment- Resistant Depression with Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans
Insight the psychological dimensions of society – November 19, 2025
Summary
More than 50% of veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD reported significant improvement after undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAT) in Ukraine, demonstrating a promising approach amidst challenging circumstances. In a sample of 27 participants, symptom reduction was notable, with effect sizes of 1.31 for depression and 1.10 for PTSD. While 22-26% experienced unchanged or worsened symptoms, indicating the necessity for personalized treatment, the positive effects of KAT persisted for at least one month post-treatment, highlighting its potential in psychiatric care.
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the practice of using ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAT) in accordance with international clinical guidelin...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Comprehensive Case Report with Integrated Neurophysiological Imaging Using Magnetoencephalography
medRxiv Preprint Server – February 25, 2025
Summary
Ketamine therapy's rapid impact on mood and anxiety is remarkable. A case explored how this therapy affects brain networks and activity in generalized anxiety. Treatment significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, improving cognitive attention. Brain imaging revealed increased functional connectivity across multiple brain networks and beneficial brain wave changes, suggesting enhanced neuroplasticity. This shows how ketamine therapy positively alters brain function for better mood and emotion regulation.
Abstract
This detailed case report explores the application of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in the treatment of a male patient in their late 30’s w...
Rare but relevant: Ketamine-induced cystitis - an in-depth review for addiction medicine.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – April 04, 2025
Summary
Long-term ketamine use can cause severe bladder damage in up to 30% of regular users. This condition, known as ketamine cystitis, causes painful urination and bladder shrinkage. Lower urinary tract symptoms often start within months of regular use, progressing to potentially irreversible ketamine uropathy if untreated. Early detection through urodynamics testing is crucial, as advanced cases may require surgery for ureteric stricture. The good news: symptoms can improve significantly with early intervention and ketamine cessation.
Abstract
Ketamine-induced cystitis is an increasingly recognized complication associated with the addictive use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. This...
Cocaine and ketamine-induced paraspinal muscle compartment syndrome.
Turkish journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
A rare but dangerous muscle condition can occur when cocaine and ketamine use leads to severe back pain and tissue damage. This case reveals how recreational drugs triggered compartment syndrome in a 25-year-old's back muscles. After experiencing intense pain, scans showed dangerous swelling that required immediate surgery. Quick diagnosis through computed tomography and pressure testing led to successful treatment via fasciotomy, preventing permanent damage from rhabdomyolysis.
Abstract
Lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is a rare pathology, with only 40 reported cases resulting from an increase in pressure within the muscle co...
Brief report: Ketamine-assisted "bridge therapy" for opioid tapering in complex cases.
The American journal on addictions – January 28, 2026
Summary
A 25-year-old woman struggling with opioid use disorder, chronic pain, and major depression successfully cut her methadone dosage by 50%. Over an eight-week period, she received weekly intravenous ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) alongside her opioid taper. This innovative approach significantly improved her pain and craving control, reduced withdrawal symptoms, and boosted her engagement in psychotherapy. Ketamine-assisted "bridge therapy" shows promise in helping individuals with complex health challenges reduce opioid dependence.
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) presents major challenges, especially when combined with chronic pain and psychiatric comorbidities. A 25-year-old woman ...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatment of chronic pain and comorbid depression: a pilot study of two approaches.
Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland) – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAPT) shows promise in treating chronic pain and major depressive disorder (MDD). In a preliminary study with ten participants, all experienced symptom reductions over treatment. Those receiving the psychedelic approach (high doses intramuscularly) reported a more substantial and consistent decrease in symptoms compared to the psycholytic approach (low doses sublingually). Notably, changes were tracked using the Beck Depression Inventory and Brief Pain Inventory, suggesting KAPT could effectively address comorbidities of chronic pain and depression. Further exploration is essential for optimizing treatment strategies.
Abstract
Chronic pain and depression diagnoses are skyrocketing. There is an urgent need for more effective treatments. Ketamine was recently established to...
Butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine and ketamine-butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine chemical immobilization in habituated subadult female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis).
Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia – January 01, 2025
Summary
Safe sedation of giraffes is crucial for veterinary care. New research shows promising results using two drug combinations (BAM and KBAM) for giraffe immobilization. KBAM proved more efficient, achieving sedation in just 6 minutes compared to BAM's 17 minutes. Both methods were successful and resulted in calm recovery, though oxygen supplementation is recommended during the procedure.
Abstract
To describe the effects of butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) and ketamine-butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (KBAM) used for the chemical im...
Increased signal diversity/complexity of spontaneous EEG, but not evoked EEG responses, in ketamine-induced psychedelic state in humans.
PLoS One – November 23, 2020
Summary
The brain's electrical activity becomes remarkably more complex during a ketamine-induced psychedelic state. Researchers observed a significant increase in the diversity of spontaneous brain signals, using EEG measurements. This indicates a richer, more dynamic internal brain state, even as responses to external stimuli stay consistent. This enhanced internal complexity offers a key insight into the profound alterations in consciousness experienced.
Abstract
Increased signal diversity/complexity of spontaneous EEG, but not evoked EEG responses, in ketamine-induced psychedelic state in humans.
Nitric Oxide Donor Sodium Nitroprusside Reduces Racemic Ketamine-But Not Esketamine-Induced Pain Relief.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – July 12, 2024
Summary
A fascinating discovery shows that a common blood pressure medication can selectively block pain relief from one form of ketamine but not another. The medication, sodium nitroprusside, completely prevents pain relief from R-ketamine while leaving S-ketamine's pain-relieving properties intact. This finding helps explain how different forms of ketamine work in the body and could lead to more targeted pain treatments.
Abstract
The anesthetic, analgesic and antidepressant drug ketamine produces dissociation with symptoms of psychosis and anxiety, an effect attributed to ne...
"This is you teaching you:" Exploring providers' perspectives on experiential learning and enhancing patient safety and outcomes in ketamine-assisted therapy.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
Personal experience with psychedelics significantly enhances therapists' ability to support patients during ketamine therapy, according to healthcare providers at leading wellness clinics. Through in-depth interviews with eight trained therapists, researchers found that firsthand psychedelic experience helped practitioners better understand their clients' journeys and build stronger therapeutic relationships. Providers emphasized that formal experiential training would improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Abstract
This study explores therapists' perspectives on experiential learning, competencies, and training in ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), a form of psy...
Mediated learning: A computational rendering of ketamine-induced symptoms.
Behavioral neuroscience – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's effects on the brain may help explain how false associations form in conditions like schizophrenia. Using computer modeling, researchers demonstrated how memory retrieval and mental representations interact during learning. The simulations revealed that disrupted processing of indirect associations mirrors symptoms seen in ketamine studies, offering insights into how the brain forms and maintains unusual thought patterns.
Abstract
This article explores the contribution of the double error dynamic asymptote computational associative learning model to understanding the role of ...
Recurrent Serotonin Syndrome After Ketamine-assisted Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Journal of psychiatric practice – May 01, 2024
Summary
A rare but serious interaction between common depression treatments highlights important safety considerations. A 72-year-old patient experienced serotonin syndrome twice when receiving ketamine during electroconvulsive therapy. Both treatments can increase brain serotonin levels through different mechanisms, potentially creating dangerous combinations. Healthcare providers should carefully weigh risks when using these treatments together.
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) syndrome (SS) consists of changes in mental status as well as autonomic and neuromuscular changes. Though not well understood, ser...
Neurophysiological correlates of ketamine-induced dissociative state in bipolar disorder: insights from real-world clinical settings.
Molecular psychiatry – January 14, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable effects on brain activity reveal why it may help treat bipolar depression. Brain wave patterns show the drug reduces slower mental activity while boosting high-frequency signals linked to improved mood. Patients who responded more slowly to treatment showed stronger brain changes, suggesting individual differences in how people process ketamine. These insights from real-world clinical settings help explain how this promising treatment works at a neural level.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative compound, shows promise in treating mood disorders, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and bipolar disorder (B...
Ketamine-assisted buprenorphine initiation: a pilot case series.
Addiction science & clinical practice – August 29, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise in helping people transition to addiction treatment medication more comfortably. When starting buprenorphine treatment, patients often face difficult withdrawal symptoms, especially those using fentanyl or methadone. This innovative approach found that sublingual ketamine helped reduce these symptoms, allowing 67% of participants who tried it to successfully begin buprenorphine treatment, with most reporting minimal discomfort.
Abstract
Many people with opioid use disorder who stand to benefit from buprenorphine treatment are unwilling to initiate it due to experience with or fear ...
Ketamine-induced sustained modulation of GABAA receptor function in mouse hippocampal neurons following anesthesia.
Anesthesiology – June 09, 2025
Summary
A single dose of ketamine during surgery may help prevent post-anesthesia memory problems. The drug works by regulating brain receptors that control inhibitory signals, particularly in the hippocampus - a key memory center. Lab tests showed ketamine prevents excessive activity of these receptors and protects both recognition and spatial memory in mice after anesthesia.
Abstract
Excess function of GABAA receptors that generate a tonic inhibitory conductance contributes to postanesthetic cognitive impairment. Ketamine may ha...
Sleep-administered ketamine/psychedelics: A streamlined strategy to address two challenges in research on ketamine and psychedelics.
European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists – February 05, 2025
Summary
Administering ketamine and psychedelics during sleep could revolutionize how we understand their antidepressant effects. This innovative approach explores whether these rapid-acting antidepressants work independently of their consciousness-altering effects. By delivering treatments during sleep, researchers can better study the underlying mechanism of action while improving clinical trial blinding, as patients won't experience the distinct sensations that typically reveal whether they received active treatment.
Abstract
The dissociative effects of ketamine and psychedelics might be associated with their rapid antidepressant properties, raising questions about wheth...
Enduring modulation of dorsal raphe nuclei regulates (R,S)-ketamine-mediated resilient stress-coping behavior.
Molecular psychiatry – June 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's ability to build stress resilience may depend on a key protein in the brain's mood regulation center. This groundbreaking research shows that ketamine prevents stress-related behavioral changes by protecting p11, an important protein in the brain's serotonin-producing region. When p11 levels stay stable, people are better equipped to cope with stress, suggesting a new pathway for treating stress-related mental health conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine may be a novel pharmacologic approach to enhance resilience and protect against stress-related disorders, but the molecular targets underl...
Unexpected consequences: A case of ketamine-induced seizure in procedural sedation.
Turkish journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
While widely used for procedural sedation, ketamine's safety profile faced scrutiny when a healthy 32-year-old experienced an unexpected seizure during routine shoulder treatment. The patient received a standard dose but developed seizure activity within one minute. Quick medical intervention resolved the adverse effect, and follow-up brain testing showed no underlying issues. This rare case highlights ketamine's generally safe profile while reminding medical teams to stay vigilant during sedation procedures.
Abstract
This case report describes a 32-year-old male who underwent ketamine procedural sedation and experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Despit...
A Case Report of Ketamine-induced Hypoglycemia in Treatment Resistance Depression.
Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 31, 2024
Summary
While ketamine therapy shows promise for severe depression, a notable case reveals an unexpected side effect: significant drops in blood sugar. A patient with type 1 diabetes experienced multiple hypoglycemic episodes following ketamine treatments, despite having stable blood sugar control for two decades. Though the therapy successfully improved his depressive disorder, this adverse drug event highlights the need for careful monitoring of blood sugar levels during ketamine treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine therapy can reduce the risk of suicide and depression in the treatment resistant patient. Adverse effects of ketamine infusion include blu...
Cortical Mechanisms Contributing to Ketamine-Induced Dissociation
The Neuroscientist – December 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, with effects linked to its unique ability to induce dissociative anesthesia. In studies involving hundreds of participants, subhypnotic doses have demonstrated significant changes in cortical circuits by targeting NMDA receptors and HCN1 channels. These interactions lead to disinhibition of pyramidal neurons and altered thalamocortical connectivity. Remarkably, ketamine may concentrate within intracellular compartments, influencing neuronal excitability and signaling. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for innovative treatments for major depression and insights into consciousness.
Abstract
Ketamine is a unique anesthetic agent that induces dissociative anesthesia, characterized by perceptual detachment, analgesia, and altered states o...
A hidden Markov model reliably characterizes ketamine-induced spectral dynamics in macaque LFP and human EEG
medRxiv Preprint Server – November 12, 2020
Summary
Brain activity under ketamine shows predictable, alternating patterns. A statistical model precisely mapped these neural dynamics. Analyzing brainwave data from human subjects and animal models, ketamine reliably induced distinct states: high-frequency gamma bursts and slow oscillations. The model successfully identified these neural patterns switching, each lasting a few seconds. This robust characterization offers powerful insights into how ketamine alters consciousness, providing a valuable tool.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist commonly used to maintain general anesthesia. At anesthetic doses, ketamine causes bursts of 30-50 Hz oscil...
Ketamine-From an Anesthetic to a Psychiatric Drug: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Applications and Potential Risks.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – June 30, 2025
Summary
Originally an anesthetic, ketamine is now revolutionizing medicine. It effectively treats severe pain and offers rapid relief for depression, even in resistant cases. Surprisingly, ketamine also shows promise in tackling addiction by promoting brain plasticity. This versatile drug is transforming approaches in mental health and pain management.
Abstract
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, is gaining increasing attention due to its multifaceted pharmacological properties. In addition to...
Effect of naltrexone pretreatment on ketamine-induced glutamatergic activity and symptoms of depression: a randomized crossover study.
Nature medicine – July 24, 2025
Summary
A key insight reveals that ketamine's rapid antidepressant action might rely on the brain's opioid system. Researchers gave 26 adults with major depression either a placebo or naltrexone before ketamine. Findings showed naltrexone reduced ketamine's effect on brain glutamate activity and its positive impact on depressive symptoms. This discovery highlights the opioid system's crucial role in ketamine's mechanism, offering valuable direction for developing new, more effective depression treatments.
Abstract
We investigated the potential role of the opioid system in modulating glutamatergic effects of ketamine administration in major depressive disorder...
Midazolam or propofol added to ketamine: Which combination is better for the reduction of shoulder dislocation in the emergency department?
Turkish journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2026
Summary
A ketamine-propofol combination significantly improves procedural sedation for shoulder reduction in the emergency department. Among 64 patients, this approach led to superior sedation and notably quicker recovery, with average procedure times of 5.7 minutes and recovery times of 36.3 minutes. Compared to ketamine-midazolam, the ketamine-propofol group experienced fewer adverse events, including lower instances of respiratory depression and tachycardia. This makes ketamine-propofol a safer, more effective option for sedation during such interventions.
Abstract
Glenohumeral dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation and a leading cause of shoulder instability. Adequate muscle relaxation an...
Inhibition Mechanism of Ketamine-Apatinib by CYP2C9 and 3A4: A Prediction of Possible Drug-Drug Interaction.
Biopharmaceutics & drug disposition – May 21, 2025
Summary
When cancer pain meets cancer treatment, interesting drug interactions emerge. Scientists discovered that apatinib, a cancer-fighting drug, affects how the body processes ketamine, a powerful pain medication. The interaction occurs through cytochrome P450 proteins in the liver, with apatinib showing competitive inhibition of key enzymes. This means patients receiving both drugs may need adjusted dosing to prevent side effects.
Abstract
Most cancer patients experience severe pain, and apatinib, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitor, demonstrates therape...
Characterization of Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks During Ketamine-Medetomidine Anesthetic Induction
arXiv Preprint Archive – March 31, 2016
Summary
Scientists discovered that anesthesia dramatically alters brain network patterns in ways that help explain consciousness. By monitoring a macaque's neural activity during anesthesia, researchers found that brain regions became less connected and coordinated 90 seconds after drug administration. This shift reveals how anesthetics disrupt the brain's normal information-sharing networks, offering new insights into consciousness and neural communication.
Abstract
Several experiments provide evidence that specialized brain regions functionally interact and reveal that the brain processes and integrates inform...
Characterization of the Community Structure of Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks During Ketamine-Medetomidine Anesthetic Induction
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 15, 2016
Summary
Brain networks reorganize dramatically during anesthesia, with distinct patterns emerging between conscious and unconscious states. By monitoring brain activity in a macaque during anesthesia, researchers revealed how neural communities shift: awake brains show large, connected networks in frontal and parietal regions, while anesthetized brains display isolated clusters in basic sensory areas, offering insights into consciousness and neural organization.
Abstract
One of the main goals of neuroscience is to understand how an organism's cognitive capacities or physiological states are potentially related to br...
Ketamine-induced prevention of SD-associated late infarct progression in experimental ischemia.
Scientific reports – May 03, 2024
Summary
When stroke occurs, dangerous waves of electrical activity called spreading depolarizations can worsen brain damage. Research shows ketamine, a widely-used anesthetic, may help prevent this cascade effect. By studying mice with experimental ischemia, scientists found that ketamine reduced harmful blood flow changes and prevented stroke progression when administered 24 hours after initial injury, offering hope for better stroke treatment options.
Abstract
Spreading depolarizations (SDs) occur frequently in patients with malignant hemispheric stroke. In animal-based experiments, SDs have been shown to...
Seizure control in glycine encephalopathy using the Ketamine-Dextromethorphan-Sodium benzoate triple therapy.
Epilepsy & behavior reports – September 01, 2025
Summary
Treating severe seizures in Glycine encephalopathy, also known as Non ketotic hyperglycinemia, is incredibly difficult. A compelling case demonstrated how a unique triple therapy offered hope. Combining intravenous Ketamine, oral Dextromethorphan, and Sodium benzoate dramatically controlled intractable seizures in a neonate. This innovative approach led to seizure resolution and improved development, providing a significant positive step for managing this challenging condition.
Abstract
Neonatal glycine encephalopathy is a rare genetic neurometabolic disorder secondary to glycine cleavage system deficiency. Patients typically prese...
A retrospective report of a ketamine-augmented, transdiagnostic psychiatric outpatient psychotherapy program
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health – February 01, 2026
Summary
Combining sublingual ketamine therapy with an intensive outpatient program shows promise for Veterans facing comorbid mental health conditions. In a cohort of 56 participants, significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms were observed, particularly among those with moderate to severe initial symptoms. Additionally, quality of life scores improved notably post-treatment. This innovative approach may enhance emotional learning and treatment engagement, suggesting a new pathway for addressing the complexities of mental health care among Veterans, despite limitations like the absence of a control group.
Abstract
Introduction: Comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder are common among Veterans...
Cannabidiol reverses myeloperoxidase hyperactivity in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and reduces protein carbonyls in the hippocampus in a ketamine-induced schizophrenia rat model.
Schizophrenia research – April 01, 2025
Summary
CBD shows promise in treating schizophrenia by reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress. In this groundbreaking research, CBD outperformed traditional antipsychotic risperidone in treating ketamine-induced schizophrenia symptoms in rats. Unlike risperidone, CBD restored normal behavior without unwanted side effects and effectively reduced inflammation in key brain regions.
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) has limited treatment options, often with significant side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-euphoric phytocannabinoid, has sho...
Efficacy and acceptability of ketamine and esketamine in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine demonstrate potential as effective treatments for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). This analysis focuses on data from various trials, including those conducted prior to 2023, targeting a sample size of over 1,000 participants. It evaluates outcomes at three critical time points: 24-72 hours, 1-3 weeks, and 4-12 weeks post-treatment. The aim is to compare these interventions against placebo, providing insights into dosing patterns and routes of administration, while ensuring robust statistical methods are employed for clarity in results.
Abstract
This preregistration documents an update and extension of a meta-analysis of ketamine and esketamine for adults with treatment-resistant major depr...
Simulating Synaptic Pruning and Ketamine-Like Recovery in Depression: Insights from Consolidation Duration and Iterative Regimens on Resilience and Relapse
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – January 14, 2026
Summary
Excessive synaptic pruning during adolescence can significantly weaken neural circuits, contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD). In simulations with 396,000 weights, accuracy plummeted to 32% after removing 95%. A single regrowth cycle restored accuracy to about 97%, while extending consolidation periods improved performance by up to 55 percentage points and minimized relapse. Iterative regrowth cycles reduced residual sparsity below 1%, enhancing stress resilience and outperforming one-time restorations. These findings underscore the importance of tailored, multi-dose treatments for fostering long-term neuroplasticity and stability in MDD.
Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasingly framed as a failure of neuroplasticity. Excessive synaptic pruning in adolescence can l...
Ketamine-Prazosin Combined Pharmacotherapy in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder: Targeting Complementary Neurobiological Mechanisms.
The Nursing clinics of North America – March 01, 2026
Summary
A compelling rationale exists for combining Ketamine and Prazosin to treat co-occurring Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ketamine offers rapid PTSD symptom reduction and AUD relapse prevention, while Prazosin targets nightmares and may curb alcohol intake. Their distinct neurobiological mechanisms—modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and attenuating noradrenergic hyperactivity—make combination pharmacotherapy promising. This strategy could improve patient stabilization and readiness for therapy. Nurse practitioners are exploring its safety and efficacy for integrated care.
Abstract
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) often co-occur, worsening outcomes, relapse rates, and treatment response. Keta...