By Dr. Gregory Loewen, DO, FCCP, PATP

There is growing scientific evidence regarding the successful treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma related illnesses (PTSD) with psychedelic medicines. Many medicines under study (psilocybin, LSD, MDMA) are labeled ‘breakthrough drugs’ by the FDA, but are only available through clinical trials. However, ketamine, an anesthetic drug used in every operating room in the U.S., is a legal psychedelic medicine being used by physicians for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Clinical trials show that ketamine often yields greater success when other antidepressants fail to provide relief. While most antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, ketamine increases glutamate, an amino acid and neurotransmitter that enhances brain function, learning, memory, and mood. Additionally, the best promise for PTSD combines psychedelic medicine with trauma informed therapy, an approach that has resulted in remission in over 70% of patients in phase 3 clinical trials. Combining ketamine with therapy yields striking results. Aside from antidepressant effects, ketamine enhances the ability to learn new things and process old emotions. As a result, when using this treatment for symptoms of depression, it is common for a person’s mood to begin to lift, even after the first ketamine session. Patients who struggled with discouragement, burnout, and old childhood trauma emerge from treatment with dramatic relief of their symptoms and new perspective on their lives.

Using my background as a pulmonary and critical care doctor, I have provided conscious sedation to thousands of patients and have become highly attuned to the importance of safety. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) offers a component of conscious sedation in a manner that is safer than many other alternatives, without depressing breathing or respiration. During a KAP session, ketamine is typically administered as a rapidly dissolving tablet under the tongue, or as an injection with a tiny diabetic syringe. It takes effect in minutes and is usually completed within an hour. During KAP, patients may see colors, patterns, or places, recall old memories, experience sadness, fear, or joy in a safe and supported environment guided by a therapist. Like a journey into the dream space, images and feelings that arise begin to make sense and hold meaning for the person, providing the opportunity to heal.

Patients who want to consider KAP, must undergo a medical consultation to ensure they are good candidates. This involves reviewing complete physical and psychiatric medical history, allergies, and medicines. We discuss goals, possible side effects and ways to prevent them. The recent tragedy surrounding Matthew Perry underscores the importance of a safe, supervised setting, in contrast to what can happen when ketamine is misused.

Like all therapy, uncovering deep experiences and trauma can be difficult, but KAP provides a kinder, safer, more gentle effective experience. To learn more about whether KAP might be helpful for you, visit www.gregoryloewen.com, or call 509-844-8476. At the Center for Healing Intelligence, I am proud to be associated with other therapists who offer KAP in their practice, including Ofer Ziv LCSW, Jenna Witkowski LCSW, and Mindi Lobuzzetta LMHC.