Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects, ketamine can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including severe depression and suicidal ideation, within hours or days. This rapid action can be life-saving for individuals in acute distress.

Ketamine has shown promise for individuals whose depression has not responded to multiple trials of standard antidepressant medications. It works on different brain systems than traditional antidepressants, offering a new avenue for relief

Studies suggest that ketamine therapy can also be effective in reducing symptoms of various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help to quickly alleviate feelings of panic, dread, and phobias.

While the immediate effects of ketamine may be temporary, a series of treatments, often combined with psychotherapy (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy or KAP), may lead to more sustained improvements in mood and anxiety. Ketamine is thought to promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new neural connections and healthier thought patterns.

Research indicates that ketamine can rapidly decrease suicidal ideation, offering a critical intervention for individuals at high risk

By targeting brain areas involved in processing traumatic memories, ketamine may help reduce the emotional intensity associated with these memories

Some studies suggest that ketamine may help reduce obsessive thoughts in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder