Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD Related to Racial Discrimination
Mailae Halstead, Sara Reed, Robert Krause, Monnica T. Williams
Clinical Case Studies August 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1177/1534650121990894 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Client with treatment-resistant PTSD from racism and childhood sexual abuse |
| Interventions | Ketamine Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Functional analytic psychotherapy |
| Duration | 13-day intervention, 4-month follow-up |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine Psychedelic-assisted therapy PTSD |
| Key findings | Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy led to significant symptom reduction in treatment-resistant PTSD, with gains maintained at 4 months. |
Abstract
Current research suggests that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has benefit for the treatment of mental disorders. We report on the results of ketamine-assisted intensive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment of a client with treatment-resistant, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of experiences of racism and childhood sexual abuse. The client’s presenting symptoms included hypervigilance, social avoidance, feelings of hopelessness, and intense recollections. These symptoms impacted all areas of daily functioning. Psychoeducation was provided on how untreated intergenerational trauma, compounded by additional traumatic experiences, potentiated the client’s experience of PTSD and subsequent maladaptive coping mechanisms. Ketamine was administered four times over a 13-day span as an off-label, adjunct to psychotherapy. Therapeutic interventions and orientations utilized were mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP). New skills were obtained in helping the client respond effectively to negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of helplessness. Treatment led to a significant reduction in symptoms after completion of the program, with gains maintained 4 months post-treatment. This case study demonstrates the effective use of ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.