Breakthrough Study: Low-Dose Oral Ketamine Shows Promise in treating PTSD
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at teh University of the Sunshine Coast’s National PTSD Research Centre has revealed that low-dose oral ketamine can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with fewer side effects. This innovative approach offers new hope for patients struggling with the debilitating condition.
The study,the first of its kind,explored the feasibility,safety,and tolerability of oral ketamine as a treatment for PTSD. Unlike conventional methods, which often involve intravenous (IV) ketamine administered in hospitals, this trial tested a liquid form of the drug, making it more accessible and affordable for patients.
Key Findings
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In the trial, participants received one ketamine drink per week for six weeks. The results were striking:
- 73% of participants reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms by more than half just one week after completing the treatment.
- 59% maintained this improvement one month after their final dose.
For many participants, this marked the first time in their adult lives that they experienced such significant relief from PTSD symptoms.
A Game-Changer for PTSD Treatment
Professor Dan Hermens,senior Investigator and Deputy Director of the Thompson Institute,emphasized the potential of oral ketamine as a viable option to IV treatments. “Despite extensive studies on IV ketamine infusions, there are gaps in understanding the most effective dosage levels and the best way to administer the drug as a treatment,” he said.
“Our study found oral ketamine – administered in small amounts to study participants – was well-tolerated and effective in reducing PTSD symptoms,” Professor Hermens added. This approach not only minimizes the risk of adverse reactions but also eliminates the need for hospital visits, making it a more practical option for patients.
Why This Matters
PTSD affects millions worldwide, often leading to severe emotional distress and impaired daily functioning. Traditional treatments, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, don’t work for everyone, leaving many patients searching for alternatives. Ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic medication, has shown promise as a fast-acting treatment for both PTSD and depression. However, its off-label use has primarily been limited to IV infusions, which can be costly and inconvenient.
The success of this trial suggests that oral ketamine could revolutionize PTSD treatment by offering a safer, more accessible option.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Treatment Method | Low-dose oral ketamine administered weekly for six weeks |
| Key Results | 73% saw symptom reduction >50% after one week; 59% maintained improvement after one month |
| Advantages | Fewer side effects, no hospital visits, more affordable |
| Study Type | Open-label clinical trial |
Looking Ahead
While these findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of oral ketamine for PTSD treatment. The team at the National PTSD Research Centre is committed to advancing this research, offering hope to those who have long struggled with the condition.
For more information on this groundbreaking study, visit the full report.
This study marks a significant step forward in the fight against PTSD, providing a potential lifeline for patients and their families.
Oral Ketamine Shows Promise as a Safe and Effective Treatment for PTSD
A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted at the National PTSD Research Centre within UniSC’s Thompson Institute has revealed that oral ketamine, administered in small doses as a liquid, is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, which involved 22 participants aged 22-77, found that oral ketamine not only alleviated PTSD symptoms but also improved mental health outcomes, including reduced depression, stress, and suicidal ideation.
A Breakthrough in PTSD Treatment
The trial, led by Dr. Bonnie Quigley, a Research Fellow and Molecular Biology Program Leader at UniSC’s Thompson Institute, compared oral ketamine to traditional intravenous (IV) ketamine treatments. The results were strikingly similar, but oral ketamine offered several key advantages.
“Oral ketamine patients can be treated at their doctor’s office – while IV ketamine needs to be administered in a hospital or clinic setting under medical supervision,” Dr. Quigley explained. “This limits its use, especially for treatment programs that require daily or intermittent dosing schedules.”
Participants in the study reported fewer side effects compared to IV ketamine, which can cause headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, and feelings of dissociation, anxiety, and agitation.
“importantly, all participants reported that side effects from oral ketamine had resolved before their discharge from the study,” Dr. Quigley noted. “oral ketamine is also cheaper than IV or intranasal ketamine,perhaps making it available to more people.”
Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life
The study group reported significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being after treatment. Participants experienced better sleep, enhanced social and occupational functioning, and an improved quality of life.
“That oral ketamine can improve a spectrum of mental health symptoms in a short period of time is significant, as over 90 percent of people diagnosed with PTSD also experience a psychiatric disorder such as suicidal ideation, anxiety, alcohol use disorders, and depression,” said professor Hermens, a key contributor to the study.
Gradual Dosing for Optimal Results
The researchers adopted a gradual dosing strategy, starting with a lower dose and increasing it over time to assess each patient’s tolerance.
“Adopting an initial lower dose was designed to assess each patient’s tolerance to oral ketamine before gradually increasing it, striking a balance between minimizing side effects and maximizing the achievable benefits,” Dr. Quigley explained.
This approach proved effective, with participants reporting minimal side effects and significant improvements in their symptoms.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Aspect | Oral Ketamine | IV Ketamine |
|—————————|—————————————|————————————-|
| Administration | Doctor’s office | Hospital or clinic setting |
| Side Effects | Fewer and resolved quickly | More frequent and severe |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Accessibility | Higher | Limited |
| Mental health Benefits | Reduced depression, stress, and more | Similar benefits |
The Future of PTSD treatment
The study’s findings are promising for the future of PTSD treatment. Oral ketamine’s accessibility,affordability,and minimal side effects make it a viable option for integrating into ongoing treatment programs.
“The study results are promising for future trials to determine treatment strategies for PTSD, incorporating oral ketamine,” Dr. Quigley concluded.
For more details on the study, you can access the full research here.
This breakthrough offers hope for the millions of people worldwide living with PTSD,providing a safer,more accessible,and cost-effective treatment option.As research continues,oral ketamine could become a cornerstone in the fight against PTSD and its associated mental health challenges.Helping the Brain Reduce the Impact of Traumatic Memories
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise from exposure to trauma in various settings, leaving profound impacts on those affected. Survivors of sexual assault, military war, imprisonment, and genocidal crimes worldwide report the highest rates of PTSD, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments.In a groundbreaking initiative, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has established Australia’s first $18.5 million national PTSD hub. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced neuroimaging technology, medication-assisted therapy rooms, long-stay clinical observation rooms, a clinical trials facility, and a laboratory for molecular biology research.
At the heart of the hub’s efforts is a new PTSD study focused on Reconsolidation Therapy, a safe and non-invasive treatment designed to help the brain update traumatic memories by reducing their emotional impact. Led by Professor Alain Brunet, the Centre Director, the study is currently recruiting adults with diagnosed or suspected PTSD to participate in the six-week treatment program.
Reconsolidation Therapy works by targeting the brain’s memory processes, allowing individuals to revisit traumatic memories in a controlled surroundings and diminish their emotional intensity.This innovative approach offers hope for those struggling with the long-term effects of trauma.
For more details on the study and how to participate, visit the UniSC National PTSD Research Centre.
| Key Highlights of UniSC’s PTSD hub |
|—————————————-|
| Facility Features | Advanced neuroimaging, therapy rooms, clinical trials facility, molecular biology lab |
| Current Study | Reconsolidation Therapy for PTSD |
| study Duration | Six weeks |
| Lead Researcher | Professor Alain Brunet |
This pioneering research underscores the importance of innovative approaches to mental health treatment, offering new possibilities for those affected by PTSD. For further insights into the study’s methodology and findings, refer to the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD,consider exploring this groundbreaking treatment option. Together, we can definitely help reduce the impact of traumatic memories and pave the way for healing.
Interview with Professor Hermens and Dr. Quigley on PTSD Treatment Breakthroughs
Editor: Professor Hermens, could you elaborate on the importance of the health symptoms appearing in a short period for individuals diagnosed with PTSD?
Professor Hermens: Certainly. The rapid onset of health symptoms in individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is crucial because over 90 percent of those diagnosed also suffer from comorbid psychiatric conditions such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, alcohol use disorders, and depression.This highlights the urgent need for effective and accessible treatment options.
Editor: Dr. Quigley, can you explain the rationale behind the gradual dosing strategy used in the study?
Dr. Quigley: Absolutely. We adopted a gradual dosing strategy to ensure each patient’s tolerance to oral ketamine was carefully assessed. Starting with a lower dose allowed us to minimize potential side effects while gradually increasing the dosage to maximize therapeutic benefits. This approach proved effective, with participants reporting minimal adverse effects and important symptom improvement.
Editor: Both of you have mentioned the benefits of oral ketamine. Could you highlight the key findings comparing oral ketamine to IV ketamine?
Professor Hermens: Of course.The study revealed that oral ketamine offers several advantages over intravenous (IV) ketamine. It is administered in a doctor’s office, has fewer and less severe side effects, is more cost-effective, and is highly accessible. Both forms provide similar mental health benefits, such as reducing depression and stress, but oral ketamine’s affordability and ease of management make it a more viable option for many patients.
Editor: Dr. Quigley, what do you think the future holds for PTSD treatment based on this study?
Dr. Quigley: The findings are incredibly promising. Oral ketamine’s accessibility, affordability, and minimal side effects position it as a potential cornerstone in PTSD treatment. Future trials will likely focus on integrating oral ketamine into ongoing treatment programs for those living with PTSD and associated mental health challenges.
Editor: Professor hermens, could you tell us more about the Reconsolidation Therapy study led by Professor Alain Brunet at UniSC’s PTSD hub?
Professor Hermens: Certainly.Reconsolidation Therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment designed to help the brain update traumatic memories by reducing their emotional impact. The University of the Sunshine Coast’s state-of-the-art PTSD hub is equipped with advanced neuroimaging technology and facilities for clinical trials. This six-week program, led by Professor brunet, aims to provide a safe surroundings for individuals to revisit traumatic memories and diminish their emotional intensity, offering new hope for those affected by PTSD.
Editor: Thank you both for your insightful responses. what would you say are the main takeaways from this research?
Professor Hermens: The key takeaway is that oral ketamine offers a safer, more accessible, and cost-effective treatment for PTSD. Its potential to integrate into ongoing treatment programs makes it a promising option for millions worldwide.
Dr. Quigley: Additionally,innovative approaches like Reconsolidation Therapy underscore the importance of continued research and development in mental health treatments,providing new possibilities for healing and recovery.
This groundbreaking research offers hope for those living with PTSD, emphasizing the importance of innovative and accessible treatment options. For more details,you can access the full study here and learn more about the UniSC PTSD hub here.
