Firefighters who completed a 12-week ketamine-assisted group therapy program showed significant and lasting reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Questionnaire scores for PTSD and anxiety decreased substantially by the end of the program, and these improvements were still present six months later. Participants also reported that being in a group with other firefighters was beneficial. The findings suggest that this combined treatment approach may effectively address mental health challenges in this high-risk occupation.
Firefighters face higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population, with an average prevalence of 7.3% compared to 1.3–3.5%. Conventional treatments often show limited effectiveness, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) has emerged as a promising option. Interviews with six firefighters enrolled in but not yet started a KAT program revealed four major themes: feeling stuck and reaching a breaking point, stigma surrounding both PTSD and ketamine treatment, the need for self-advocacy to access care, and significant financial and logistical barriers. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes to better support treatment-seeking individuals.
A qualitative case study of six firefighters with PTSD who completed a 12-week ketamine-assisted therapy program found that, beyond reducing PTSD symptoms, participants reported improvements in sleep problems, a changed relationship to music, better tolerance for sensory stimuli, and altered time perception. These themes suggest ketamine-assisted therapy may provide meaningful benefits that extend beyond symptom reduction.