Ketamine is well-known as a party drug that can cause hallucinations, delusions and euphoria and is also used in hospitals as a general anaesthetic.
However, a recent report by The Washington Post has shown a strong case for using the drug in the treatment of severe depression.
Studies over the last decade have shown that the psychadelic drug can have benefits for those with severe forms of depressive illnesses: ‘Experts are calling it the most significant advance in mental health in more than half a century. They point to studies showing that ketamine not only produces a rapid and robust antidepressant effect; it also puts a quick end to suicidal thinking.
‘Experts are calling it the most significant advance in mental health in more than half a century. They point to studies showing ketamine not only produces a rapid and robust antidepressant effect; it also puts a quick end to suicidal thinking.’
Apparently, The American Psychiatric Association are heading towards endorsing the drug for cases when the patient has not responded to traditional antidepressants.
In contrast to normal medicine for depression, which can take months to see results, low doses of ketamine can lead to a rapid decrease in suicidal thoughts, however, its use for this particular illness will need to be highly regulated before we see it as a general treatment option.
