Ketamine therapy is gaining increasing interest for its potential to treat mental health issues resistant to traditional methods. However, it may not be right for everybody. In this article, we’ll go over who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative drug that makes a person feel a sense of detachment from reality. It was first made in a laboratory in 1962 by chemist Calvin Stevens at Parle=Davis Laboratories as part of an effort to find a drug that could induce anesthesia and pain management without the risk of respiratory depression as seen with opioids.
It’s particularly valuable in children’s anesthesia and in guests with asthma or other pulmonary complications where other anesthetics may pose a higher risk. However, beyond its original medical use, off-label ketamine use is growing in popularity as a treatment for depression. Recent studies suggest it can rapidly reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine is an addictive substance. It’s a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act, reflecting its medical uses but also its potential for abuse and dependency.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted therapy or ketamine infusion treatment, is a treatment approach that uses low doses of ketamine to treat various psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It’s not FDA-approved for this purpose but is growing in popularity, with growing scientific research behind it.
Ketamine treatment works by blocking the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), a receptor in the brain that influences mood regulation, cognition, and pain perception.
By blocking this receptor, this spurs the brain to release glutamate, which, in turn, spurs the growth of new neural connections. This neuroplasticity is thought to be the key to ketamine therapy’s miraculous antidepressant effects.
Criteria for Ketamine Treatment
To be a good candidate for ketamine-assisted therapy, here are the criteria:
- Be an adult aged 18 years or older
- Have documentation that your depression is “treatment-resistant”
- Have a clinical diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder I (BDI), or Bipolar Disorder II (BDII)
- Be medically reviewed by a qualified anesthesiologist
Treatment-resistant depression means having had clinical depression and made at least two attempts to treat it with traditional antidepressants.
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Call 866-881-1184Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
While beneficial in many cases, some people are just not good candidates for ketamine infusion therapy. Many ketamine treatment clinics will not take a person suffering from psychosis, for example, even if it’s a symptom of major depression. Guests with borderline personality disorder, neurological disorders like dementia, or who have brain injuries are also not good candidates for ketamine therapy.
guests who, within the previous three months, met the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder or other substance use disorders are also not good ketamine therapy candidates.
Other contraindications for ketamine therapy include uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, pregnancy, and a history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy isn’t for everyone—but it can be a life-changing option for people who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. You may be a good candidate if you’re struggling with a mental health or chronic pain condition that hasn’t responded well to medication, therapy, or other standard approaches.
Some of the most common candidates for ketamine therapy include:
People with treatment-resistant depression (TRD): If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without lasting improvement, ketamine may offer fast-acting relief, even for those with severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts.
Those living with chronic anxiety: Ketamine can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety when other treatments fall short.
Individuals with PTSD: Especially for those who haven’t responded to traditional trauma therapies or medications, ketamine may help ease intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and emotional numbness.
People with bipolar depression: While ketamine isn’t used for mania, it can help lift the depressive episodes that often come with bipolar disorder.
Those dealing with OCD: Some studies suggest ketamine may help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors—especially when combined with ongoing therapy.
Chronic pain guests: Ketamine’s ability to “reset” pain receptors makes it a potential option for conditions like fibromyalgia, CRPS, or neuropathic pain.
That said, ketamine therapy isn’t right for everyone. It’s not recommended for people with a history of psychosis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or certain heart conditions. A thorough evaluation by a qualified medical provider is essential to determine whether ketamine is safe and appropriate for your unique needs.
Alternatives to Ketamine Therapy
For individuals seeking alternatives to ketamine therapy, especially for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, there are various established treatment options. These can range from psychological therapies to pharmacological interventions.
Here’s a list of options for those who are not a good candidate for ketamine therapy:
Traditional Antidepressants
These include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, and MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). These medications can help adjust the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving mood, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are a class of medications that treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, where they help to balance mood swings and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes of mania and depression. These medications work by affecting neurotransmitter activity in the brain to promote emotional stability. Examples include Lithium, valproic acid, and other anticonvulsant drugs.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health care, but wonder how long treatment takes or have other questions about building a treatment plan, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from the treatment process and addiction recovery timeline, verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have about the effectiveness of ketamine therapy.
