Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Recreational Users of Ketamine: A Case Study.
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 8, 2025 Valerio Ricci, Domenico De Berardis, Sheikh Shoib et al. 4 citations
Frequent recreational ketamine use among young adults is linked to more psychotic-like experiences, such as unusual thoughts and perceptions. In ten participants aged 18–24 who used ketamine multiple times weekly, higher use frequency correlated with more such experiences, while other drugs like THC, MDMA, and alcohol did not significantly contribute. The findings suggest ketamine's action on NMDA receptors may produce symptoms resembling schizophrenia. The small sample and reliance on self-report limit the conclusions, and more research is needed to confirm causality and long-term effects.