A case series of 12 patients with treatment-resistant depression treated with a novel protocol combining ketamine injections (0.5-1.5 mg/kg intramuscularly, 5-8 sessions) and brief psychodynamic psychotherapy found that 67% responded and 58% achieved remission. Half of the patients maintained remission at 3-month and 1-year follow-ups. Ego dissolution during the third ketamine session correlated with symptom improvement and psychological insight. The results suggest that combining ketamine with psychotherapy may enhance and prolong antidepressant effects beyond ketamine alone.
A survey of 156 Portuguese psychiatrists and psychologists found that while 59% were open to using ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, only 35.9% reported substantial knowledge of its therapeutic potential. 73% expressed concerns about inadequate professional training. Psychiatrists reported higher knowledge and openness than psychologists, and younger professionals showed greater interest in training and use. The results indicate favorable attitudes toward ketamine but highlight substantial educational gaps, suggesting that customized training based on age, sex, and professional background is needed for safe clinical integration.
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise in transforming mental health care, with 70% of participants reporting significant improvements in depression and anxiety after treatment. In a clinical study involving 100 individuals, those receiving psilocybin therapy experienced an average reduction of 60% in symptoms within three weeks. Health professionals in psychiatry and clinical psychology are increasingly exploring psychedelics as viable options for patients. This shift could reshape mental health approaches, offering hope to those struggling with traditional therapies in Portugal and beyond.