Ketamine Treatment

07 Dec Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine clinics have sprung up like mushrooms in major cities across America, especially after a nasal spray delivery method was approved by the FDA in 2019 (Grinspoon, 2022). In Los Angeles, ketamine clinics incessantly remind consumers of their existence by sponsoring litter removal on the freeways and constant emailing of clinicians. Ketamine as a mental health intervention has come a long way since the 70s when it was referred to as Special K and was considered primarily a party drug for people frequenting raves.

Ketamine treatment for depression, anxiety, treatment-resistant depression and other sufferings of modern life is primarily given at low doses (Kolp, E. et al, 2014) that ease the patient’s symptoms and potentially offer long term relief. Much like antidepressants and anxiolytics, the treatment in and of itself is meant to relieve symptoms and not necessarily promote insight, depth work, existential answers, or healing of trauma. This relief of suffering is a godsend for many people.

Kolp (Kolp E et al, 2014) (p. 10) provides a table listing the various dosages of ketamine and the features of the experiences the participant is likely to encounter at that dose. The dosage given in clinics for mental health treatment are at low sub-psychedelic levels (0.25 mg/kg – 0.5 mg/kg IM, or 25 – 50 mg IM). Kolp and his team, however, conducted experiments at higher doses, and found that at a medium dose ((0.75 mg/kg 1.5 mg/kg IM, or 75 mg – 125 mg IM), a participant was likely to experience an out-pf-body experience, and that at a higher level (2.0 mg/kg – 3.0 mg/kg IM or 150-250 mg IM) a near-death experience. At the highest level tested ((2.0 mg/kg – 3.0 mg/kg IM, or 150 – 200 mg IM) participants reported what might be described as an Ego-Dissolving Transcendental Experience.

Here again we see a divide between transpersonal psychology and conventional psychology. Conventional methods focus on symptom reduction or removal, and no one can deny that this is beneficial for a person in pain. On the other hand, there is much evidence that transpersonal experiences such as those listed above often go deeply in the psyche engendering long lasting change and mystical experiences which promote compassion and living by one’s values. It is good that in transpersonal psychology we are open to holistic solutions, as one shoe does not fit all feet.

References

Grinspoon, P. (2022) Ketamine for Treatment-resistant depression: when and where is it safe? Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-when-and-where-is-it-safe-202208092797

Kolp, E., Friedman, H., Krupitsky, E., Jansen, K., Sylvester, M., & Kolp, A. (2014). Ketamine psychedelic psychotherapy: Focus on its pharmacology, phenomenology, and clinical applications. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 33(2), 84-140.

Kolp, E., Young, M. S., Friedman, H., Krupitsky, E., Jansen, K., O’Connor, L.-A. (2007). Ketamine-enhanced psychotherapy: Preliminary clinical observations on its effects in treating death anxiety. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 26, 1-17.

Krupitsky, E. M., Paley, A. I., Berkaliev, T. N., Ivanov, V. B., Dubrvina, O. O., Koshnazarova, D. A., Grinenko, A. Y. (1996). Ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 15(1), 24-40.

Lim, D. K. (2003). Ketamine associated psychedelic effects and dependence. Singapore Medical Journal, 44(1), 31-34.

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