Ketamine Dependence in an Anesthesiologist: An Occupational Hazard?
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine July 1, 2014 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.135395 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractKetamine dependence can develop in anesthesiologists, who have easy access to the drug. A case from India describes an anesthesiologist who experienced dissociation, depersonalization, and psychotic effects from ketamine, along with significant tolerance and cyclical use of very high doses, but without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms. The case highlights concerns about substance misuse among medical professionals and raises issues for patient safety and management of affected health workers.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Anesthesiologist from India |
| Keywords | Medicine |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key finding | An anesthesiologist developed ketamine dependence with tolerance and high-dose cyclical use, without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms. |
Abstract
Substance abuse among medical professionals is a cause for concern. Certain psychotropic substances such as ketamine are at easy dispense to anesthesiologists increasing the likelihood of misuse and dependence and raise several issues including safety of patients. We discuss a case demonstrating ketamine dependence in an anesthesiologist from India. The reported psychotropic effects of ketamine ranged from dissociation and depersonalization to psychotic experiences. There was also development of significant tolerance to ketamine without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms and cyclical use of very high doses was observed. Issues related to management of health professionals are also discussed.