Ketamine Dependence in an Anesthesiologist: An Occupational Hazard?
S. Goyal, A. Ambekar, R. Ray
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine July 1, 2014 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.135395 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Anesthesiologist from India |
| Topics | Addiction Esketamine Ketamine |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key findings | An anesthesiologist developed ketamine dependence with tolerance and high-dose cyclical use, without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms. |
Abstract
Substance abuse among medical professionals is a cause for concern. Certain psychotropic substances such as ketamine are at easy dispense to anesthesiologists increasing the likelihood of misuse and dependence and raise several issues including safety of patients. We discuss a case demonstrating ketamine dependence in an anesthesiologist from India. The reported psychotropic effects of ketamine ranged from dissociation and depersonalization to psychotic experiences. There was also development of significant tolerance to ketamine without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms and cyclical use of very high doses was observed. Issues related to management of health professionals are also discussed.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative analysis of a patient's experience of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorder: Empirical synergies with twelve-step programs 28-year-old female treated for alcohol and opioid use disorder | 2025 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Intravenous ketamine for severe alcohol use disorder at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya: a case report A 39-year-old African male with severe alcohol use disorder, comorbid tobacco use... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Grayken lessons: a multidisciplinary approach to care for a patient with severe ketamine use disorder. Young woman with severe ketamine use disorder and PTSD | 2026 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report Patient with bipolar I disorder and history of substance dependence | 2014 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Abdominal Pain and Dysuria Secondary to Chronic Recreational Ketamine Use: A Case Report on K-cramps. 25-year-old woman with chronic high-dose ketamine use | 2025 | Case report | n = 1 |