Who is NOT a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
Authors: Ryan Shinazy & Cole Butler, MACP
(5-minute read)
Consulting with a professional about ketamine-assisted therapy
Introduction
Are you wondering if you or a loved one should pursue ketamine therapy? "Ketamine treatment is a breakthrough for people who have not experienced relief from traditional modes of treatment or medications," states mental healthcare provider Heading. “Unlike traditionally prescribed medications, which can take several weeks to show effectiveness, patients receiving ketamine often report a reduction in symptoms within the first few sessions,” according to Cambridge Biotherapies.
While this innovative therapy has shown promise in providing relief and improving overall well-being, it is essential to understand that ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial to explore who may not be a good candidate for this treatment approach to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.
Disclaimer
This article is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding ketamine therapy or any other treatment. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare provider can offer personalized advice.
Who is NOT a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
There are various health concerns that may make someone “not a good fit” for Ketamine Therapy. The potential exclusionary criteria can be roughly broken into two categories: medical and psychiatric reasons. Let’s explore these areas:
Medical Reasons:
1. Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure or Heart Disease: Ketamine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate according to the NIH. The increase may be harmful to people living with any type of heart condition, such as previous heart attacks, arrhythmias, artery diseases, and congestive heart failure.
It's important for prescribers and care teams to be aware of a patient’s cardiovascular health history prior to administering treatment.
2. Certain Medical Conditions: People with liver or kidney disease may not be the right choice, stated Heading, as these conditions can be exacerbated by ketamine.
3. History of Severe Breathing Problems: Individuals with severe respiratory issues may face complications according to Mindbloom.
4. History of Elevated Intraocular or Intracranial Pressure: Mindbloom also stated that those with conditions that increase pressure within the eye or skull may be at risk due to the potential for Ketamine to elevate blood pressure.
5. Unmanaged Hyperthyroidism: This condition can interact negatively with ketamine due to the release of thyroid stimulating hormones according to the NIH.
6. Pregnancy: There is limited research on the safety of ketamine use during pregnancy, so it is generally not recommended.
7. Allergies to Ketamine: Dr. Raul Rodriques stated that, “people who have used ketamine in the past but have had an adverse reaction to this substance may not be good candidates for ketamine therapy.”
An individual considering ketamine therapy
Psychiatric Reasons:
1. Certain Psychiatric or Personality Disorders: Individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, borderline personality disorder, or narcissistic personality disorder may experience potentially worsened symptoms from Ketamine Therapy according to Shannon Darling PMHNP with Wild Heart Integrative Health Services.
It is important to note that having one of the conditions above does not automatically disqualify you for Ketamine Therapy. As stated, it is often the unmanaged and uncontrolled versions of the various health conditions that may make someone “not a good fit”.
Ketamine Therapy Treatment Considerations may differ between practitioners. If you are interested in Ketamine Therapy, it may be worth scheduling an evaluation with a licensed professional.
That being said, you may be wondering, “Who is a good fit?”
Who IS a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
Research shows that ketamine may be suitable for people with various mental health conditions, especially those who have not responded to traditional treatments such as therapy and antidepressant medications. Specific conditions where ketamine treatment has shown promising results include:
Life Transition Challenges: Ketamine can help individuals manage the stress and emotional upheaval that often accompany significant life changes, such as job loss, divorce, or major relocations, by rapidly alleviating depressive and anxious symptoms.
Depression: Especially effective for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine has been shown to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours or days, compared to weeks or months with traditional antidepressants.
Anxiety: Ketamine has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders, offering an alternative for those who do not respond well to standard treatments.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ketamine can help reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, providing relief for individuals who have not benefited from other forms of therapy.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Some studies suggest that ketamine can alleviate the symptoms of OCD, offering hope for those who struggle with this condition.
Chronic Pain: Ketamine has analgesic properties that make it effective in managing chronic pain conditions, providing an alternative to opioids and other pain medications.
Treatment-Resistant Depression: For individuals with depression that has not responded to multiple antidepressants, ketamine offers a new avenue of treatment that can bring significant relief.
Suicidal Thoughts: Ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation, making it a critical intervention for individuals in acute crisis.
Help is available! Speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
First Responders' Trauma: Addressing the vicarious trauma experienced by first responders, ketamine can help mitigate the mental health challenges faced by those in high-stress, high-risk occupations.
Postpartum Mood Disorders: Ketamine may provide relief for new mothers experiencing severe postpartum depression, offering a faster-acting treatment compared to traditional medications.
It is important to note that each individual’s circumstances are unique, and it is recommended to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine if ketamine treatment is a suitable option for their specific condition and medical history.
Parting Words
Research on ketamine therapy is ongoing. Researchers and practitioners are continually learning about new therapeutic applications and how to administer this form of therapy effectively. In fact, Ketamine can be administered therapeutically in various ways. The article Ketamine-Assisted Therapy vs. Taking Ketamine by Shannon Darling PMHNP dives deeper into some of these specifics.
If you consult with a medical professional about Ketamine Therapy, remember to Ask Questions! We agreed with Heading when they said, “no question is dumb or unnecessary.” You deserve care coordinators and psychiatric professionals who take the time to answer all your questions and ensure your needs are met throughout the process.
Ketamine therapy offers hope for many, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ensuring you or your loved one is an appropriate candidate is key to achieving the best possible outcomes.
If you have any further questions feel free to Contact Us for more information. We have an amazing list of Ketamine trained professionals in our Provider Directory who would love to guide you along your healing journey!
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About the Author:
Ryan Shinazy
Ryan Shinazy is an Intern at Integrative Care Collective PBC. He is an Honors Student in Psychology at University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He is currently a Senior with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. He is currently working on developing his honors thesis under Dr. James Kole, entitled: Understanding Loneliness in the Digital Age: Implications of Social Media Use. He plans to get his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC. As ICC PBC’s Intern, he is responsible for content production, including SEO-optimized blog posts and social media content.
Find him on LinkedIn!
