How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine, an FDA approved anesthetic agent, is being used off label to treat a variety of mental health issues. While there is the most research for treatment refractory depression (including bipolar depression), suicidal ideation, PTSD, and addiction, there is also research suggesting beneficial effects for OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, and end of life care. A Unique Mechanism of Action: Compared to other antidepressants, ketamine has a unique mechanism of action. Whereas most antidepressants affect levels of serotonin, ketamine works on a different receptor, called the NMDA receptor. The NMDA receptor plays a role in […]
Ketamine Infusions vs. Oral Ketamine
Ketamine has gained significant attention as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders. This blog aims to provide an in-depth analysis of ketamine’s role in mental health treatment, comparing two primary methods of administration: ketamine infusions and oral ketamine. We will explore the characteristics, […]
Is Ketamine a Psychedelic Medicine?
Technically, ketamine is not classified as a psychedelic medicine, but rather a dissociative anesthetic. However, ketamine does have psychedelic effects at higher doses. The classical psychedelics include psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, DMT, and mescaline, which work on a specific serotonin receptor. Ketamine, on the other hand, is an NMDA receptor antagonist which modulates glutamate levels. […]
Internal Family Systems: A Novel Therapeutic Approach which Complements Ketamine Treatments
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and healing the different parts of our personality or psyche. This approach was developed by Richard Schwartz, a psychotherapist who recognized that individuals often have conflicting emotions, beliefs, and desires that can create internal tension and conflict. The central idea of IFS is […]
Does Ketamine Cure Depression?
This article, by Dr. Serruya, was featured in Psychology Today Ketamine is an amazing medicine being used off label for treatment resistant depression. For many patients with resistant depression, bipolar depression, and suicidal ideation, ketamine can be a miracle. Ketamine works much faster than regular antidepressants, and the results can often be dramatic. However, ketamine does not work for everyone, and it […]
Different Approaches to Working With Ketamine
This article, by Dr. Serruya, was featured in Psychology Today Generic ketamine is not yet FDA approved to treat mental health conditions, and is used off label in treating resistant depression, bipolar depression, and suicidal ideation. There is also evidence that ketamine may help treat anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, and alcohol use.
