Understanding the Experience of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and the Importance of Context.
Grace Stockwell, Nicholas Hoeh, Francesca Fogarty, Cerys Clayden, Lisa Reynolds
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2527299 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Patients with treatment-resistant depression |
| Intervention | Ketamine-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Depression Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Ketamine-assisted therapy Depression treatment Therapeutic environment |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Preparation of mind-set and comfort in the therapeutic setting support therapeutic benefit in ketamine-assisted therapy, while external cues like music can facilitate a spiritual journey and trauma may leave patients feeling vulnerable. |
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) is a novel modality that shows promise as a treatment for depression. The current study sought to add to the scarce research in the area and inform future applications of KAT for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study used in-depth qualitative interviews (N = 12) to explore participants' perceptions of KAT, including working with therapists, the ketamine experience, the therapeutic setting, and how these aspects impacted experiences and their lives following treatment. Thematic analysis indicated that preparation of mind-set supported therapeutic benefit, which was underscored by openness, clear therapeutic intentions, mindfulness, and understanding the mechanisms of how KAT works. Additionally, comfort in the setting supported participants to "let go" and was facilitated by learning about the therapist's personal experiences, a strong therapeutic alliance, and feeling safe. External physical cues such as music also influenced the experience, facilitating a spiritual journey guiding the experience. Words of caution were expressed where trauma had been unveiled and letting go had left participants feeling vulnerable. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the impact of contextual processes during KAT to inform future clinical trials and improve the clinical efficacy of KAT.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ketamine for depression, most cited first.