Ketamine Infusions: An Alternative to Electroconvulsive Therapy
Are ketamine infusions a valid alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Research is suggesting that it may very well be!!
Ketamine may be a more desirable alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression. Plus it seems to work fast!
While there may be many treatments available for depression, there may be some people that do not see positive results from the treatments they may have been given. Most of the time these patients consider other therapies to help alleviate their symptoms. Historically, one the last-line treatments, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the patient undergoing general anesthesia, while electric-currents pass to the brain, triggering small seizures.
There are many different treatment options available. There is no treatment that works for everyone – individuals can choose the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best for them. Ketamine may work best for some as it can provide a fast and effective relief of symptoms.
Electroconvulsive Therapy May Not Be The Only Option:
Although ECT may be one option to consider, it may not be the most effective option anymore. Ketamine has been linked to being a faster alternative, making the treatment process less aggressive, and more of a better experience overall. In a study by Basso et al, they found both Ketamine and ECT were equally effective however the antidepressant effect occurred faster in those who received ketamine compared to those who received ECT.
There are several types of treatment for mental health problems with varying degrees of effectiveness. There is more evidence that some work than there is for others like ketamine vs ECT.
Why Ketamine May Be A Better Option Than ECT:
Unlike ECT, ketamine is less aggressive as it is administered by an IV instead of electric-currents shocking the brain and does not require general anesthesia. Ketamine is flowed through the body in less than 40 minutes (for depression treatment). Depending on the setting and clinic, the infusion can be a much more enjoyable and quite relaxing experience. The study also showed that ketamine had better neurocognitive functioning such as attention span after treatment. ECT for a brief period, in comparison, had a small overall decrease in cognitive performance.
While some people find ECT to be a beneficial and lifesaving treatment, others find their memory loss distressing and for them, this outweighs any benefit from ECT.
ECT and its Side Effects:
As alluded to above, ECT may have heavier side effects as it may induce trouble with concentrating, memory, and making decisions that may affect the patient's everyday life. If someone does not want to have these types of side effects, they may find that ECT is not the right option for them.
Ketamine also has its side-effects. It should be used with caution or avoided in certain patients with additional risk factors for cardiovascular or psychotomimetic adverse effects.
When ECT Might Be A Better Option Than Ketamine:
Ketamine is not free from its own side effects. Ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or heart problems (such as congestive heart failure) may have their condition worsened if given ketamine. In situations like this, ECT may be the better and safer option.
Learn more here about The 7 Types of People Who Should NOT Get Ketamine
Overall, patients treated with ketamine showed improved cognitive performance, particularly attention and executive functions, whereas patients treated with ECT showed a small decrease in cognitive performance.
Ketamine and The Overall Experience:
Unlike ECT, where patients undergo general anesthesia, ketamine infusions are quite the opposite. For the most part, the patient is awake and aware of their surroundings. With the appropriate set and setting, the patients can relax and focus on healing their body and mind.
Ketamine infusions may have higher success rates and in a faster period of time compared to other outpatient therapies. With fewer treatment sessions and a better outcome, more and more patients are turning to ketamine as a great option to try and experience for themselves.
Are ketamine infusions a valid alternative to electroconvulsive therapy? Research is suggesting that if may very well be. Equally effective as ECT, with less cognitive impairment, and faster results ketamine infusions are proving itself to be an effective treatment.
References:
Basso, Laura, et al. “Antidepressant and Neurocognitive Effects of Serial Ketamine Administration versus ECT in Depressed Patients.” Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 123, 2020, pp. 1–8., doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.01.002.
Photo by Daniel Reche from Pexels