Mental Health
Ketamine Therapy Shows Rapid Results for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Clinical trials show that low-dose ketamine infusions reduce severe depressive symptoms within hours for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
How Ketamine Works Differently
Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs that modulate serotonin and norepinephrine over weeks, ketamine acts on NMDA glutamate receptors and triggers rapid synaptogenesis - the growth of new synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex. This neuroplasticity effect can produce antidepressant responses within hours of a single infusion.
FDA-Approved Esketamine
Esketamine (Spravato), a nasal spray derived from ketamine, received FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. It is administered in certified clinical settings due to dissociative side effects during the treatment window.
Access and Equity Concerns
A full course of IV ketamine infusions can cost $3,000 to $8,000 out of pocket, as most insurance plans do not yet cover off-label IV administration. Advocacy groups are pushing for broader coverage and community mental health center integration, particularly for underserved populations.
