The Science
Three findings, in sequence: what the medicine does to the brain, what that actually means, and what the outcomes research says is required to turn it into lasting change.
The science
When ketamine triggers glutamate release, it stimulates the brain to build new synapses - the physical basis of rapid neuroplasticity. This mechanism directly informed the FDA 2019 approval of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
Dr. Ronald S. Duman, Yale UniversityIt is the reaction to ketamine, not the presence of ketamine in the body, that constitutes its effects.
Dr. John H. Krystal, Chair of Psychiatry, Yale School of MedicinePeer-reviewed outcomes research on Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy found it effective in reducing depression and anxiety - with the strongest outcomes tied to structured therapeutic support around each session, not the medicine alone.
Peer-reviewed Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy outcomes researchStill evaluating
Our clinicians would rather answer a skeptical question thoroughly than have you begin this work uncertain.
