Specialists essentially use ketamine for migraines as general anesthesia for surgeries that require a patient to be unconscious, but muscle relaxation isn't needed. Ketamine is likewise a dissociative medicine, and scientists have been exploring the uses of sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine for treating depression for quite a while now.
Scientists at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom have reported an investigation of existing studies that affirm that ketamine treatment offers effective, momentary comfort from pain and, somewhat, depression and other mental health side effects. The studies found that ketamine may quickly alleviate depression and suicidal thoughts.
The meta-analysis of 83 existing research pieces has determined the worth of ketamine treatment for treating a broad scope of mental health conditions: these incorporate 29 randomized controlled trials, 21 observational investigations, and 33 systematic reviews.
Ketamine And Mental Health The most noteworthy result of the studies is the value of intravenous ketamine therapy in relieving depression. It was observed that it reduced unipolar depression severity within 1 to 24 hours, and it lasted for 1–2 weeks. In contrast, oral doses took up to 2 weeks to make the change. The bipolar depression relief was also rapid, occurring as soon as 4 hours after administration and consistently by 24 hours. The effect lasted for up to 3 days, with some relief still visible after seven days. These studies also support the use of ketamine migraine treatment for affective disorders and thoughts of suicide.
A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Exeter Ozden Merve Mollaahmetoglu said that some proof of an effect on suicidal thoughts independent of depressive symptoms was fascinating. There is some evidence of an effect. It would be helpful to understand how the effect works because people living with severe mental health problems fell prey to suicide significantly. He also noted that because the effect of ketamine on suicidal thoughts was temporary, it could be extended by using ketamine in combination with psychotherapy.
Other research found some therapeutic benefits to ketamine for other mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders.
How does ketamine relieve depression so quickly? Recent studies have proved the efficiency of ketamine and how it quickly and efficiently reduces symptoms of depression. Furthermore, presently, researchers are asking about how it works so quickly.