Neurophysiological Markers of (Dis)Connectedness: Insights from Ketamine
Naji Alnagger, Paolo Cardone, Javier Montupil, Jitka Annen, Charlotte Martial, Vincent Bonhomme, Olivia Gosseries
Neuromethods January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4603-8_8 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractKetamine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, produces distinct psychoactive effects depending on dose. At low anti-hyperalgesic doses, effects are minor or undetectable; at subanesthetic doses, they may include dissociative, psychotomimetic, and psychedelic experiences. At anesthetic doses, ketamine induces a state of “(full) dissociation” or disconnection rather than unconsciousness, distinguishing it from other anesthetics. The authors argue that this unique profile makes ketamine especially valuable for studying consciousness in clinical settings.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Neurophysiology Consciousness Disconnection Persistent vegetative state |
| Key finding | Argues that ketamine at anesthetic doses produces a state of dissociation or disconnection rather than unconsciousness, making it a useful tool for consciousness research. |
Abstract
AbstractKetamine is a versatile N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-antagonist used in various clinical settings. Ketamine dose-dependently induces psychoactive effects: at low, anti-hyperalgesic doses, these are minor or not detectable, but at subanesthetic doses, they may include dissociative, psychotomimetic, and psychedelic events. At an anesthetic dose, ketamine leads to a state of “(full) dissociation” or disconnection rather than unconsciousness, setting it apart from other anesthetics. This unique set of characteristics makes ketamine a particularly interesting substance for studying consciousness in clinical settings.