Understanding Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusion therapy is an emerging treatment option that has gained significant attention for its potential to relieve symptoms of severe and otherwise treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. While ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, recent discoveries have proven that it has applications in the mental health field when administered in lower doses. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications that can take weeks to work, ketamine infusions may produce noticeable improvements in mood and functioning within hours to days for some patients, offering hope to individuals who have not responded to other therapies.
This therapy is typically delivered through an intravenous infusion in a controlled medical environment, where patients are closely monitored before, during, and after each session. Researchers believe ketamine works by affecting glutamate pathways in the brain and promoting neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new connections that support healthier thought patterns and emotional responses. While ongoing research continues to refine best practices and long-term outcomes, ketamine infusion therapy represents a promising, evidence-informed option when standard treatments have fallen short. If you or a loved one is dealing with treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD, this option could be the right solution for you.
How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Works
Ketamine infusion therapy involves the use of low-dose ketamine administered intravenously to target brain systems involved in mood regulation, stress response, and emotional processing. While ketamine has long been a popular anesthetic before surgery, the drug is administered at a much lower dose in mental health settings. Because of this, patients remain awake during their treatment, though they are far more relaxed than they would be in typical, unmedicated situations. Intravenous administration allows clinicians to control the exact amount of medication and to adjust the dose in real time, based on a patient’s response, which is one reason infusions are commonly used in clinical programs.
On a biological level, ketamine acts differently from most traditional antidepressants. Rather than primarily influencing serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system, particularly by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. This action triggers the release of glutamate at other neuroreceptors, especially α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors. This release causes a series of events that increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This supports neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to repair, reorganize, and form new connections. The enhanced plasticity is thought to help “reset” patterns associated with depression and trauma, supporting more flexible thinking and emotional resilience.
Ketamine infusion therapy usually lasts for around 40 minutes, though some treatments can take up to two hours. Patients are monitored continuously, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and subjective experience. Mild dissociation, changes in perception, or a dreamlike sensation are common and usually fade soon after the infusion ends. Because ketamine can cause temporary drowsiness or slowed reaction time, patients should not drive afterward and usually rest for the remainder of the day.
When used appropriately, ketamine infusion therapy provides a carefully monitored, science-based intervention designed to support meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life for people who have not benefited from traditional treatments.
Who Can Benefit From Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is most often considered for people who have not experienced adequate relief from traditional treatments, such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. This group is commonly referred to as having treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have tried two or more standard antidepressants without significant improvement. For these individuals, ketamine can offer a new option when symptoms remain severe, persistent, or disabling despite appropriate care. According to studies, roughly 30% of people deal with treatment-resistant depression.
Still, ketamine infusion therapy has uses beyond major depressive disorder. It may also be helpful for several other mental health and medical conditions under clinical guidance. Research and clinical practice suggest potential benefits for bipolar depression (without mania), post-traumatic stress disorder, certain anxiety disorders, and obsessive–compulsive disorder, the latter of which is more prevalent among females.
For individuals with acute suicidal ideation, ketamine’s rapid onset of effect may be particularly important, as it can reduce suicidal thoughts more quickly than most other available interventions under close medical supervision.
It’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. This type of treatment is generally not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant cardiovascular disease, certain types of glaucoma, active psychosis, untreated substance use disorders, or during pregnancy unless specifically advised by a specialist. A detailed health assessment helps clinicians weigh potential benefits against risks and determine whether ketamine is an appropriate option. Current medications are also reviewed to avoid interactions and ensure safety throughout treatment.
Ketamine infusion therapy is most beneficial for patients who are undergoing ongoing comprehensive care. Ketamine is most effective when paired with psychotherapy, lifestyle support, and follow-up appointments, rather than being used as a standalone cure. Individuals who are open to participating in therapy, making healthy changes, and maintaining communication with their care team tend to gain the most lasting improvement. In this way, ketamine infusion therapy can serve as a catalyst, helping lift severe symptoms enough for people to reengage with counseling, relationships, work, and daily life.
Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine infusion therapy is changing the way that some of the most severe mental health issues are tackled. By helping the brain to rebuild damaged neuropathways and form new ones, this method of treatment allows patients to experience healing at a pace much faster than traditional mental health medications.
If you believe that ketamine infusion therapy could be your key to a healthier, happier future, Oasis Mental Health Centers is here to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mood-disorders/treatment-resistant-depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29727073/
https://www.ketamine.foundation/about-ketamine.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769420/
