How Does Ketamine Affect the Brain?

Ketamine is a drug that has been used both as a surgical anesthetic. Its application as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression is a recent development, but it has provided relief to countless patients struggling with complex mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, especially when other treatments like antidepressants haven’t produced results.

Our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatments are administered in accordance with evidence-based research on best practices, and all treatments are supervised by our highly qualified, specialized medical team in our fully licensed facility.

In this article, we delve into the top 3 ways ketamine affects the brain and its potential benefits for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

1. Changes in Neurochemistry

Ketamine treatments produce changes in brain chemistry that have proven beneficial for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression. It works by affecting at least three neurotransmitter systems in distinct sub cortical brain function areas related to emotion.

The way ketamine works on these neurotransmitters is not completely understood, but the good news is it can help. Ketamine seems to rapidly decrease suicidality and improve the mood of patients.

2. Increased Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is a term that refers to your brain’s ability to adapt and create new neural pathways. One of the theories about why treatment-resistant depression is so difficult to manage is that the brain’s plasticity has been reduced, and its ability to create new pathways has been limited as a result.

Ketamine disrupts the well-worn neural pathways in the brain and seems to act as a “reset” button, allowing new pathways to form. We offer psychotherapy alongside ketamine treatment because therapy can help you make helpful habits and new ways of thinking and problem-solving, all while your brain is most receptive to this important work.

Your Path to Healing Begins at Caledon Clinic

If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression, you’re not alone. As much as 30% of Canadians with depression are treatment-resistant (have tried at least two antidepressants without results). Know that there is hope, and there can be recovery.

Contact Caledon Clinic today for a free consultation to discuss whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you.