[Ketamine Augmented Psychotherapy (KAP) in mood disorder: User guide].
Hugo Bottemanne, A Baldacci, C Muller, A Boyreau, Anne Claret
L'Encephale June 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.08.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine Augmented Psychotherapy |
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressant Antidépresseur Augmented psychotherapy Belief updating Codage prédictif Croyance Dissociation Ketamine assisted psychotherapy Kétamine Predictive coding Psychedelic Psychothérapie augmentée Psychédélique |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Proposes a four-step protocol for combining ketamine with psychotherapy to treat mood disorders. |
Abstract
Ketamine, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, is used as a fast-acting antidepressant therapy in depressive disorders. This treatment provokes dissociative effects associating derealization and depersonalization, and a synaptogenic signaling cascade promoting brain plasticity. Despite several preliminary studies suggesting the usefulness of its combination with psychotherapy, administration of ketamine isn't generally combined with per- and post-infusion psychotherapy protocols in its clinical antidepressant use. However, the phenomenology of psychodysleptic experiences and the synaptogenic effect could potentiate cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT). In this article, we purpose a practical protocol to Ketamine Augmented Psychotherapy (KAP) synthesizing contemporary data from the literature and our clinical experience. We detail proposals for clinical practice, and propose four important steps for the use of a psychodysleptic molecule for antidepressant purposes: preparation, administration, integration, and prolongation. Finally, we discuss the limits and prospects of this combination in the management of mood disorders.