Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a complex condition that’s sometimes unresponsive to common forms of treatment. Here’s how the transformative effects of Ketamine Therapy can help with treatment-resistant OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition that manifests in having obsessive and compulsive thoughts with heightened levels of anxiety and stress. The symptoms can disrupt daily life by presenting themselves as obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions (rituals, excessive cleaning and organizing, repetitive actions, checking).
OCD is primarily treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as a non-medicated option. It goes hand-in-hand with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a standardized approach to treating OCD by exposure and learning to break the compulsive patterns.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Fluoxetine and Sertaline are used as the main medication. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking its reabsorption.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is an evidence-based treatment best known for its rapid onset of effects and significant reduction of symptoms of various mental health conditions. Ketamine Therapy is administered intramuscularly (IM), intravenously (IV), or nasally, via Spravato. Intramuscular injections are the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects. A typical Ketamine Therapy session consists of three main phases, including:
- Preparation phase: A compassionate Guide is there to prepare the patient before the treatment through setting intentions, breathwork, and meditations, making them more open to healing.
- Medication phase: A dose of ketamine is injected into the large muscle of the shoulder by a medical professional.
- Integration phase: Patients are monitored after treatment, while receiving grounding support and guidance, which promotes integration of therapeutic insights later on.
How Ketamine Can Reset Your Mental Health
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug, used to help people with various mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant ones. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain, causing a surge of glutamate. This can increase neuroplasticity and reduce the negative thought loops that are connected with obsessive and compulsive thoughts.
Racemic ketamine is the typical form of ketamine used in most ketamine treatments, while esketamine is one of ketamine’s two stereoisomers used in Spravato Treatment. Racemic ketamine is the pure form of ketamine that includes arketamine (R-ketamine) and esketamine (S-ketamine).
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
The Ketamine Therapy services are designed with different administration and guidance methods to accommodate a broad spectrum of needs. The common services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A one-on-one therapy session with extended preparation and integration phases led by a trusted Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: A balanced therapysession with limited guidance, led by a trusted Guide. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements of Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: For couples looking to address their mental health problems to strengthen and rebuild their relationship. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking to heal in a supportive, group setting with up to 6 like-minded individuals. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Spravato Treatment (Esketamine): An FDA-approved nasal spray, self-administered under medical supervision. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, each spaced five minutes apart.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for OCD
Ketamine Therapy has shown improvement in individuals struggling with treatment-resistant conditions who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants. Some patients are unresponsive to first-line treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as conventional antidepressants like SSRIs, so Ketamine Therapy can potentially help due to its rapid-acting effects.
Ketamine Therapy vs Traditional Antidepressants for Treating OCD
Both ketamine and SSRIs offer relief, but in different ways. Here are the differences and similarities between the two, and how they can be a useful treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
| Treatment | Ketamine Therapy | Traditional Antidepressants (SSRIs) |
| Administration | Injection, infusion, nasal | Oral |
| Onset of Effects | Within hours or days | Several weeks |
| Duration of Treatment | Two to six weeks | A few months or years |
| Frequency of treatment | Structured as a short series that lasts a few weeks | Ongoing |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea, fatigue, weight gain |
| Black Box Warning | / | Some antidepressants like SSRIs can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 |
Break the Negative Cycle With the Right Treatment
Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible if done correctly. Learn more about Ketamine Therapy at Kadelyx Health, and see how ketamine can help with your OCD symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.
