Ketamine therapy: An innovative approach in the treatment of affective and stress-related disorders

Introduction

In recent years, ketamine therapy has established itself as a promising intervention method for the treatment of affective disorders and stress-related illnesses. Las Almas Institute Mallorca Ketamine is used as part of an integrative therapy approach to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. The innovative combination of ketamine infusions with neuroscientifically based therapeutic approaches enables significant clinical improvements, especially in treatment-resistant cases.

Pharmacological action of ketamine

Ketamine, a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, was originally developed as an anesthetic and has been used in medicine for several decades. Recently, the drug's antidepressant effects have become the focus of research. Studies show that ketamine enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission by blocking NMDA receptors, leading to increased synaptic plasticity (Zarate et al., 2006).

Furthermore, ketamine is thought to promote the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), thus exerting neuroprotective effects (Autry & Monteggia, 2012). This mechanism contrasts with conventional antidepressants, which target monoaminergic systems and have a significantly longer latency to onset of action.

Ketamine therapy for depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

The treatment of treatment-resistant depression presents a particular challenge in psychiatry. Traditional drug approaches show insufficient effects in approximately 30% of patients (Rush et al., 2006). Ketamine has proven to be an effective treatment alternative: Just a few hours after the first infusion, patients report a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts (Diazgranados et al., 2010). This rapid antidepressant effect is unique and can be life-saving, especially in acute crisis situations.

In the Las Almas Institute Mallorca Ketamine therapy is complemented by several treatment approaches:

  • Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): Promoting neuroplasticity through electromagnetic stimulation of cortical areas.

  • Neurofeedback: Real-time monitoring and regulation of neuronal activity to promote self-regulation.

  • Hypnotherapy: Use of hypnotherapeutic methods to address deep-seated emotional conflicts.

  • Sports and exercise therapy: Improving neurophysiological resilience through physical activity.

  • Mindfulness-based methods: Sustainable reduction of stress and promotion of emotion regulation.

Evidence-based applications in other indications

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is characterized by persistent intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and avoidance behavior. Studies have shown that ketamine can significantly reduce symptoms (Feder et al., 2014). Las Almas Institute Mallorca Treatment takes place in an interdisciplinary setting that includes rTMS, therapy and mindfulness-based interventions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders

Pharmacological interventions for obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders often show insufficient effects. Ketamine represents a promising alternative by disrupting pathological neuronal patterns through modulation of glutamatergic transmission (Rodriguez et al., 2013). The combination of neurofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy in Las Almas Institute Mallorca sustainably reinforces this effect.

Substance-related disorders

In the field of addiction therapy, recent research shows that ketamine can reduce cravings by disrupting maladaptive neuronal networks (Dakwar et al., 2019). In the therapeutic setting of Las Almas Institute Mallorca This is supported by hypnotherapeutic procedures and psychotherapeutic support to promote long-term abstinence.

Scientific evidence and clinical results

The effectiveness of ketamine therapy is now well documented:

  • Zarate et al. (2006): Rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression.

  • Feder et al. (2014): Reduction of PTSD symptoms through ketamine infusions.

  • Rodriguez et al. (2013): Improvement of symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorders.

  • Dakwar et al. (2019): Positive effects in the treatment of substance dependence.

The Las Almas Institute Mallorca works in close cooperation with international research institutions to continuously optimize therapy protocols.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy represents a paradigmatic shift in the treatment of affective and stress-related disorders. Las Almas Institute The combination of ketamine infusions with advanced therapeutic approaches enables sustainable symptom relief while maintaining high patient safety. The clinic's evidence-based approach ensures the highest standards of medical care.

Please also check out our "Studies" page. There you will find evidence-based studies and publications on our individual procedures: https://www.lasalmasgroup.com/studien/

For further information or to arrange a non-binding consultation, please contact the Las Almas Institute in Vienna or Mallorca.