Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy improves depression symptoms among individuals with severe, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. 

Background

About one-third of individuals with major depressive disorder experience resistance to current treatment options. Ketamine, a psychedelic drug, may offer similar effects to antidepressant medications, and may be associated with positive treatment outcomes when combined with psychotherapy. This review summarized findings from several studies on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and the impact of the intervention on depression symptoms.

Findings

This review analyzed 11 studies, including randomized control trials and case-control studies. Individuals engaged in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy had greater reductions in self-reported symptoms of depression. These benefits were more substantial for individuals with more severe cases of major depressive disorder. Benefits of this intervention were observed for up to six months following the last ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session. Differences in outcomes against control groups, who received psychedelics without psychotherapy, were not significant.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be an effective treatment option to support individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Behavioral health providers can use the findings of this study to understand differences between psychedelic and traditional treatment options for depression and other mental health diagnoses.