Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Recreational Users of Ketamine: A Case Study.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study explores the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) associated with recreational ketamine use among young adults. Ketamine, initially introduced as an anesthetic, is now widely used recreationally for its dissociative effects, raising concerns about its impact on mental health. Ten participants aged 18-24, who used ketamine recreationally multiple times a week, were assessed using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-42). Results showed a significant positive correlation between the frequency of ketamine use and PLEs, with no significant impact from other substances like THC, MDMA, and alcohol. These findings confirm ketamine's potential to induce psychotic-like symptoms by antagonizing NMDA receptors, similar to schizophrenia. The study underscores the need for preventive measures and targeted interventions to address the mental health risks of frequent ketamine use, particularly among young adults. However, limitations such as the small sample size and reliance on self-reported data suggest that further research is needed to establish causality and examine long-term effects. Overall, this study highlights the significant association between recreational ketamine use and increased PLEs, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention strategies.