Ketamine therapy: advances in the treatment of mental illnesses

Neuroplasticity and Ketamine: A New Approach

The treatment of mental illnesses has experienced significant progress with the introduction of ketamine therapy. Ketamine induces a temporarily enhanced neuroplasticity of the brain, allowing the breaking of entrenched, destructive thought patterns. This facilitates the acquisition of new, constructive thoughts. This basic mechanism of action has proven extremely beneficial in the treatment of severe depression, anxiety, and traumatic experiences.

Ketamine for severe depression

For many patients suffering from severe depression, ketamine offers an effective therapeutic option. While conventional antidepressants often take weeks to take effect, ketamine usually shows its effects within the first infusion. The Almas Institute and Las Almas practices specialize in the use of this therapy and offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

A key advantage of ketamine is its antisuicidal effect. Suicidal thoughts can disappear after just the first session, which is a life-saving intervention for many patients. However, the mood improvement is not always permanent, which is why multiple treatment cycles are often necessary. The Almas Institute combines ketamine infusions with psychotherapy, hypnosis, or magnetic stimulation to achieve the best possible results.

Mechanism of action of ketamine

Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the brain and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This unique mode of action distinguishes it from conventional antidepressants. At Las Almas practices, ketamine is only used in patients who are considered to be beyond treatment options—i.e., those whose suffering has been successfully alleviated by neither psychotherapy nor medication, nor electroconvulsive therapy.

Ketamine for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders

Ketamine has proven to be an established method for treating anxiety disorders. Studies show that ketamine infusions can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms within a few hours. The effects can last for weeks or even months. The combination of ketamine with cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure training has proven particularly effective.

The Almas Institutes utilize a comprehensive treatment approach that includes neurostimulation methods such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback. These methods help regulate brain activity and improve emotion regulation.

Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Ketamine therapy also shows promising results in obsessive-compulsive disorder. In combination with behavioral therapy or depth psychology-based psychotherapy and hypnosis, ketamine can replace long-term medication treatment. The Las Almas practices offer intensive care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

The effectiveness of this therapy has been confirmed by numerous studies. In the majority of patients, treatment with ketamine leads to a significant reduction or even complete elimination of OCD symptoms. The effect can last for several weeks after a single infusion.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Under certain conditions, PTSD can also be treated with ketamine therapy. Integration into a psychotherapeutic setting is crucial. The Almas Institute combines infusion therapy with EMDR, hypnosis, neurofeedback, rTMS, and exposure training in virtual reality to achieve the best possible results.

Approach to alcohol addiction

Another promising approach is the treatment of alcohol addiction with ketamine. Ravi K. Das and his team at University College London have demonstrated that ketamine can help people with excessive alcohol consumption reduce their alcohol consumption. The Almas Institutes have taken up these findings and offer specialized programs to combat alcohol addiction.

In one study, participants were shown visual images of beer to stimulate their desire for the drink, recalling the positive feelings associated with consumption. All participants then received an infusion of ketamine. In the following days, participants reported a significantly reduced desire for beer, lower consumption, and reduced enjoyment. This effect persisted throughout a nine-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy offers new hope for patients suffering from serious mental illnesses. The Almas Institute and Las Almas practices are leaders in the use of this innovative therapy, offering customized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. With a holistic approach that incorporates psychotherapy, neurostimulation, and other complementary modalities, they are setting new standards in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcohol addiction.