1
|
Khalifian C, Rashkovsky K, Mitchell E, Bismark A, Wagner AC, Knopp KC. A novel framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1376646. [PMID: 39193577 PMCID: PMC11347343 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1376646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Intimate relationship distress is prevalent and is associated with poorer health, mental health, and mortality outcomes. Evidence-based couple therapies target cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes that underlie relationship dysfunction. Increasing research and clinical evidence supports the efficacy of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for addressing clinical mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and more. The purported mechanisms of KAP are also likely to improve psychosocial and relational functioning for patients and may be useful for supporting change mechanisms in couple therapy. This paper reviews the current evidence for therapeutic ketamine and KAP and outlines how the mechanisms of ketamine therapy may also augment the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional interventions in the most commonly used evidence-based couple therapies. Key mechanisms include increased neuroplasticity, changes in functional connectivity, adaptive dissociation, decreased inhibition, and reduced avoidance. Given the reciprocal interaction between relationship dysfunction and mental health problems, ketamine may also help alleviate relationship distress by directly treating clinical mental health symptoms. We then outline a proposed framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy, addressing the application of KAP preparation, dosing, and integration to a dyadic intervention framework in a way that can be applied to different couple therapy modalities. This clinical framework for couples' KAP may be useful for clinicians and researchers working to improve the efficacy of couple therapy, particularly when one or both partners has accompanying mental health concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Khalifian
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - K. Rashkovsky
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - E. Mitchell
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - A. Bismark
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - A. C. Wagner
- Remedy, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K. C. Knopp
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kheirkhah M, Nugent AC, Livinski AA, Neely L, Johnson SC, Henter ID, Varnosfaderani SD, Price RB, Hejazi N, Yavi M, Jamalabadi H, Javaheripour N, Walter M, Zarate CA. Exploring the impact of music on response to ketamine/esketamine: A scoping review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105693. [PMID: 38697379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Music and ketamine are both known to affect therapeutic outcomes, but few studies have investigated their co-administration. This scoping review describes the existing literature on the joint use of music and ketamine-or esketamine (the S(+) enantiomer of ketamine)-in humans. The review considers that extant studies have explored the intersection of ketamine/esketamine and music in healthy volunteers and in patients of various age groups, at different dosages, through different treatment processes, and have varied the sequence of playing music relative to ketamine/esketamine administration. Studies investigating the use of music during ketamine anesthesia are also included in the review because anesthesia and sedation were the early drivers of ketamine use. Studies pertaining to recreational ketamine use were omitted. The review was limited to articles published in the English language but not restricted by publication year. To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review is the first comprehensive exploration of the interplay between music and ketamine/esketamine and offers valuable insights to researchers interested in designing future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Kheirkhah
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Allison C Nugent
- Magnetoencephalography Core, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alicia A Livinski
- NIH Library, Office of Research Services, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucinda Neely
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara C Johnson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, USA
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Rebecca B Price
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadia Hejazi
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mani Yavi
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hamidreza Jamalabadi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Nooshin Javaheripour
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hilal FF, Jeanblanc J, Deschamps C, Naassila M, Pierrefiche O, Ben Hamida S. Epigenetic drugs and psychedelics as emerging therapies for alcohol use disorder: insights from preclinical studies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:525-561. [PMID: 38554193 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide leading to physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. While current treatments for AUD have provided relief to individuals, their effectiveness on the long term is often limited, leaving a number of affected individuals without sustainable solutions. In this review, we aim to explore two emerging approaches for AUD: psychedelics and epigenetic drugs (i.e., epidrugs). By examining preclinical studies, different animal species and procedures, we delve into the potential benefits of each of these treatments in terms of addictive behaviors (alcohol drinking and seeking, motivation to drink alcohol and prevention of relapse). Because psychedelics and epidrugs may share common and complementary mechanisms of action, there is an exciting opportunity for exploring synergies between these approaches and their parallel effectiveness in treating AUD and the diverse associated psychiatric conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahd François Hilal
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Jerome Jeanblanc
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Chloé Deschamps
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
| | - Olivier Pierrefiche
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Modlin NL, Creed M, Sarang M, Maggio C, Rucker JJ, Williamson V. Trauma-Informed Care in Psychedelic Therapy Research: A Qualitative Literature Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions in PTSD and Psychedelic Therapy Across Conditions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:109-135. [PMID: 38268571 PMCID: PMC10807282 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s432537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with significant patient burden. While pharmacotherapies and evidence-based psychotherapy interventions (EBPI) are effective, studies consistently highlight inadequate outcomes and high treatment dropout. Psychedelic therapy (PT) has shown preliminary promise across difficult-to-treat conditions, including MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, however trials of classical psychedelics in PTSD are lacking. Understanding patients' experiences of EBPI could help promote safety in PT. Aim To systematically review qualitative research on patients' subjective experience of EBPI for PTSD, and of PT, and examine areas of overlap and divergence between them. Methods Systematic literature searches for studies published between 2010 and 2023 were conducted on OVID, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. Included were original studies in English that presented qualitative data of patient experiences of EBPI in PTSD, or PT for any indication. Extracted data from included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. Syntheses were completed separately for EBPI and PT, before similarities and differences between the therapies were identified. Results 40 research articles were included for review: 26 studies on EBPI for PTSD, and 14 studies on PT. EBPI studied were CBT, EMDR, CPT and PE. Psychedelic compounds studied were psilocybin, ibogaine, LSD, MDMA and ketamine, for treatment of substance use disorders, anxiety relating to physical illness, depression, and PTSD. Core themes from patient experiences of EBPI: 1) patient burden in PTSD treatment; 2) readiness; 3) key mechanisms of change; 4) psychological safety and trust. Themes identified in the review of PT: 1) indirect trauma processing; 2) reorganisation of self-narratives via processes of relatedness and identification; 3) key treatment characteristics. Conclusion This study suggests overlap between patients' experience of EBPI and PT in terms of key mechanisms of change, the importance of psychological safety and readiness to engage in treatment. Trauma-informed care paradigms and practices may improve safety and acceptability of PT research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Liam Modlin
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Michael Creed
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Maria Sarang
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Carolina Maggio
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Victoria Williamson
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6 GG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Johnston JN, Kadriu B, Kraus C, Henter ID, Zarate CA. Ketamine in neuropsychiatric disorders: an update. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:23-40. [PMID: 37340091 PMCID: PMC10700638 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant led to a new era in the development of neuropsychiatric therapeutics, one characterized by an antidepressant response that occurred within hours or days rather than weeks or months. Considerable clinical research supports the use of-or further research with-subanesthetic-dose ketamine and its (S)-enantiomer esketamine in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders, as well as for the management of chronic pain. In addition, ketamine often effectively targets symptom domains associated with multiple disorders, such as anxiety, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation. This manuscript: 1) reviews the literature on the pharmacology and hypothesized mechanisms of subanesthetic-dose ketamine in clinical research; 2) describes similarities and differences in the mechanism of action and antidepressant efficacy between racemic ketamine, its (S) and (R) enantiomers, and its hydroxynorketamine (HNK) metabolite; 3) discusses the day-to-day use of ketamine in the clinical setting; 4) provides an overview of ketamine use in other psychiatric disorders and depression-related comorbidities (e.g., suicidal ideation); and 5) provides insights into the mechanisms of ketamine and therapeutic response gleaned from the study of other novel therapeutics and neuroimaging modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Translational and Experimental Medicine, Neuroscience at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mathai DS, Hilbert S, Sepeda ND, Strickland JC, Griffiths RR, Garcia-Romeu A. Double-Blind Comparison of the Two Hallucinogens Dextromethorphan and Psilocybin: Experience-Dependent and Enduring Psychological Effects in Healthy Volunteers. PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 1:241-252. [PMID: 38152462 PMCID: PMC10750378 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Rationale N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated dissociatives and serotonergic hallucinogens are being increasingly used in therapeutic interventions that involve nonordinary states of consciousness and may represent a unique mental health paradigm wherein pharmacologically induced experiences are conducive to psychological well-being. Objective The aim of this study was to further understand how the phenomenological and health-promoting effects of high-dose dextromethorphan (DXM) compared to psilocybin in the same participants when administered under experimental conditions that are typical of therapeutic psychedelic trials. Methods Single, acute oral doses of DXM (400 mg/70 kg), psilocybin (10, 20, 30 mg/70 kg), and inactive placebo were administered under double-blind and psychologically supportive conditions to 20 healthy participants with histories of hallucinogen use. Ratings of personal meaning, spiritual significance, psychological challenge, and psychological insight attributed to acute drug experiences were assessed 7 h (at session end) and 1 week after each drug administration. Persisting psychological effects were assessed 1 week after each drug administration. Results High-dose DXM and psilocybin produced similar increases over placebo in ratings of drug experience that was predictive of psychological benefit at 1 week, even when expectancy effects were minimized. These effects tended to favor psilocybin in a dose-dependent manner and were limited by poor physical tolerability for DXM. Conclusions This analysis suggests the utility of exploring clinical applications of dissociatives that occur within the supportive contexts that are characteristic of psychedelic research and that prioritize the optimization of psychologically valuable drug experiences. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02033707).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S. Mathai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha Hilbert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hilal F, Jeanblanc J, Naassila M. [Interest and mechanisms of action of ketamine in alcohol addiction- A review of clinical and preclinical studies]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 217:161-182. [PMID: 38018944 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2023028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by chronic and excessive drinking despite negative consequences on overall health and social or occupational functioning. There are currently limited treatment options available for AUD, and the effects size and the response rates to these treatments are often low to moderate. The World Health Organization has identified the development of medications to treat AUD as one of its 24 priorities. This past decade was marked by a renewed interest in psychedelic use in psychiatry. At the centre of this renaissance, ketamine, an atypical psychedelic already used in the treatment of major depression, is an NMDA receptor antagonist that exists as a racemic compound made of two enantiomers, S-ketamine, and R-ketamine. Each form can be metabolized into different metabolites, some of which having antidepressant properties. In this article, we review both clinical and preclinical studies on ketamine and its metabolites in the treatment of AUD. Preclinical as well as clinical studies have revealed that ketamine is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and alcohol craving. Convergent data showed that antidepressant properties of ketamine largely contribute to the decreased likelihood of alcohol relapse, especially in patients undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapies. Its effectiveness is believed to be linked with its ability to regulate the glutamatergic pathway, enhance neuroplasticity, rewire brain resting state network functional connectivity and decrease depressive-like states. However, it remains to further investigate (i) why strong differences exist between male and female responses in preclinical studies and (ii) the respective roles of each of the metabolites in the ketamine effects in both genders. Interestingly, current studies are also focusing on ketamine addiction and the comorbidity between alcohol addiction and depression occurring more frequently in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahd Hilal
- Groupe de recherche sur l'alcool et les pharmacodépendances, INSERM U1247, CURS, Amiens, France
| | - Jérôme Jeanblanc
- Groupe de recherche sur l'alcool et les pharmacodépendances, INSERM U1247, CURS, Amiens, France
| | - Mickaël Naassila
- Groupe de recherche sur l'alcool et les pharmacodépendances, INSERM U1247, CURS, Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hack LM, Zhang X, Heifets BD, Suppes T, van Roessel PJ, Yesavage JA, Gray NJ, Hilton R, Bertrand C, Rodriguez CI, Deisseroth K, Knutson B, Williams LM. Ketamine's acute effects on negative brain states are mediated through distinct altered states of consciousness in humans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6631. [PMID: 37857620 PMCID: PMC10587184 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine commonly and rapidly induces dissociative and other altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in humans. However, the neural mechanisms that contribute to these experiences remain unknown. We used functional neuroimaging to engage key regions of the brain's affective circuits during acute ketamine-induced ASCs within a randomized, multi-modal, placebo-controlled design examining placebo, 0.05 mg/kg ketamine, and 0.5 mg/kg ketamine in nonclinical adult participants (NCT03475277). Licensed clinicians monitored infusions for safety. Linear mixed effects models, analysis of variance, t-tests, and mediation models were used for statistical analyses. Our design enabled us to test our pre-specified primary and secondary endpoints, which were met: effects of ketamine across dose conditions on (1) emotional task-evoked brain activity, and (2) sub-components of dissociation and other ASCs. With this design, we also could disentangle which ketamine-induced affective brain states are dependent upon specific aspects of ASCs. Differently valenced ketamine-induced ASCs mediated opposing effects on right anterior insula activity. Participants experiencing relatively higher depersonalization induced by 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine showed relief from negative brain states (reduced task-evoked right anterior insula activity, 0.39 SD). In contrast, participants experiencing dissociative amnesia showed an exacerbation of insula activity (0.32 SD). These results in nonclinical participants may shed light on the mechanisms by which specific dissociative states predict response to ketamine in depressed individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Hack
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Boris D Heifets
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Trisha Suppes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Peter J van Roessel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jerome A Yesavage
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nancy J Gray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Hilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Claire Bertrand
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian Knutson
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Leanne M Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhornitsky S, Oliva HNP, Jayne LA, Allsop ASA, Kaye AP, Potenza MN, Angarita GA. Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1197890. [PMID: 37435405 PMCID: PMC10331617 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce "transformative experiences" where individuals experience enhanced states of awareness. This enhanced awareness can lead to changes in preexisting behavioral patterns which could be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that ketamine and psychedelics may alter markers associated with synaptic density, and that these changes may underlie effects such as sensitization, conditioned place preference, drug self-administration, and verbal memory performance. In this scoping review, we examined studies that measured synaptic markers in animals and humans after exposure to ketamine and/or psychedelics. Methods A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, through PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science, based on a published protocol (Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/43FQ9). Both in vivo and in vitro studies were included. Studies on the following synaptic markers were included: dendritic structural changes, PSD-95, synapsin-1, synaptophysin-1, synaptotagmin-1, and SV2A. Results Eighty-four studies were included in the final analyses. Seventy-one studies examined synaptic markers following ketamine treatment, nine examined psychedelics, and four examined both. Psychedelics included psilocybin/psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, and ibogaine/noribogaine. Mixed findings regarding synaptic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been reported when ketamine was administered in a single dose under basal conditions. Similar mixed findings were seen under basal conditions in studies that used repeated administration of ketamine. However, studies that examined animals during stressful conditions found that a single dose of ketamine counteracted stress-related reductions in synaptic markers in the hippocampus and PFC. Repeated administration of ketamine also counteracted stress effects in the hippocampus. Psychedelics generally increased synaptic markers, but results were more consistently positive for certain agents. Conclusion Ketamine and psychedelics can increase synaptic markers under certain conditions. Heterogeneous findings may relate to methodological differences, agents administered (or different formulations of the same agent), sex, and type of markers. Future studies could address seemingly mixed results by using meta-analytical approaches or study designs that more fully consider individual differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Henrique N. P. Oliva
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura A. Jayne
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Aza S. A. Allsop
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alfred P. Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Hartford, CT, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gustavo A. Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer A, Kuin B, Veraart J, Vermetten E, Kamphuis J, van den Brink W, Schoevers R. Phenomenology and therapeutic potential of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression: an interpretative phenomenological study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06388-6. [PMID: 37222753 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine and its enantiomers are widely researched and increasingly used to treat mental disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression. The phenomenology of ketamine-induced experiences and their relation to its psychotherapeutic potential have not yet been systematically investigated. AIMS To describe the phenomenology of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to explore the potential therapeutic relevance of these experiences. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients after a 6-week, twice-weekly 'off label' generic oral esketamine (0.5-3.0mg/kg) treatment program. Interviews explored participants' perspectives, expectations, and experiences with oral esketamine treatment. Audio interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. RESULTS The effects of ketamine were highly variable, and psychological distress was common in most patients. Key themes included (a) perceptual effects (auditory, visual, proprioceptive), (b) detachment (from body, self, emotions, and the world), (c) stillness and openness, (d) mystical-type effects (transcendence, relativeness, spirituality), and (e) fear and anxiety. Key themes related to post-session reports included (a) feeling hungover and fatigued, and (b) lifting the blanket: neutralizing mood effects. CONCLUSION Patients reported several esketamine effects with psychotherapeutic potential, such as increased openness, detachment, an interruption of negativity, and mystical-type experiences. These experiences deserve to be explored further to enhance treatment outcomes in patients with TRD. Given the frequency and severity of the perceived distress, we identify a need for additional support in all stages of esketamine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bouwe Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jolien Veraart
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
- PsyQ Haaglanden, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam UMC, location Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Program Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention, Amsterdam Neuroscience Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Goldfine CE, Tom JJ, Im DD, Yudkoff B, Anand A, Taylor JJ, Chai PR, Suzuki J. The therapeutic use and efficacy of ketamine in alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1141836. [PMID: 37181899 PMCID: PMC10172666 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1141836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder (SUD) globally. In 2019, AUD affected 14.5 million Americans and contributed to 95,000 deaths, with an annual cost exceeding 250 billion dollars. Current treatment options for AUD have moderate therapeutic effects and high relapse rates. Recent investigations have demonstrated the potential efficacy of intravenous ketamine infusions to increase alcohol abstinence and may be a safe adjunct to the existing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) management strategies. Methods We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct a scoping review of two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed manuscripts describing the use of ketamine in AUD and AWS. Studies that evaluated the use of ketamine in AUD and AWS in humans were included. We excluded studies that examined laboratory animals, described alternative uses of ketamine, or discussed other treatments of AUD and AWS. Results We identified 204 research studies in our database search. Of these, 10 articles demonstrated the use of ketamine in AUD or AWS in humans. Seven studies investigated the use of ketamine in AUD and three studies described its use in AWS. Ketamine used in AUD was beneficial in reducing cravings, alcohol consumption and longer abstinence rates when compared to treatment as usual. In AWS, ketamine was used as an adjunct to standard benzodiazepine therapy during severe refractory AWS and at signs of delirium tremens. Adjunctive use of ketamine demonstrated earlier resolution of delirium tremens and AWS, reduced ICU stay, and lowered likelihood of intubation. Oversedation, headache, hypertension, and euphoria were the documented adverse effects after ketamine administration for AUD and AWS. Conclusion The use of sub-dissociative doses of ketamine for the treatment of AUD and AWS is promising but more definitive evidence of its efficacy and safety is required before recommending it for broader clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Goldfine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeremiah J. Tom
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dana D. Im
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin Yudkoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amit Anand
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joseph J. Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter R. Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joji Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Reconsidering "dissociation" as a predictor of antidepressant efficacy for esketamine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:827-836. [PMID: 36729145 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The relationship between subjective drug experience and antidepressant outcomes for ketamine derivatives is poorly understood but of high clinical relevance. Esketamine is the patented (S)-enantiomer of ketamine and has regulatory approval for psychiatric applications. OBJECTIVES We examined the relationship between acute dissociation, as measured by the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS), and antidepressant efficacy, as measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), for esketamine across the 4-week induction phase of treatment. METHODS This post hoc analysis combined data (N = 576) from the TRANSFORM-1 and TRANSFORM-2 clinical trials of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Linear mixed models were performed using total MADRS score as the outcome variable with the following independent variables: baseline MADRS score, treatment condition × time interaction, and CADSS × time interaction. To assess whether initial dissociation predicted rapid antidepressant benefit with esketamine, a separately planned regression was performed with day 2 MADRS as the outcome variable with the following dependent variables: baseline MADRS, treatment condition, and day 1 CADSS. RESULTS The linear mixed model did not show any effect of a CADSS × time interaction (p = 0.7). Looking solely at the effect of day 1 CADSS on day 2 MADRS revealed that each additional CADSS point was associated with a - .04 [95% CI - .08, - .002] (p = .04) decrease in MADRS score. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence of a clinically significant positive or negative association between dissociation and antidepressant effect for esketamine. Our findings suggest that subsequent inquiry in this area will benefit from improved characterization of drug experiences relevant to therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sjöstedt-Hughes P. On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1128589. [PMID: 37063525 PMCID: PMC10102574 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1128589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential proposal of this text is that psychedelic-induced metaphysical experiences should be integrated and evaluated with recourse to metaphysics. It will be argued that there is a potential extra benefit to patients in psychedelic-assisted therapy if they are provided with an optional, additional, and intelligible schema and discussion of metaphysical options at the integrative phase of the therapy. This schema (the "Metaphysics Matrix") and a new Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire ("MMQ") stemming therefrom will be presented, the latter of which can also be used as an alternative or additional tool for quantitative measurement of psychedelic experience in trials. Metaphysics is not mysticism, despite some overlap; and certainly not all psychedelic experience is metaphysical or mystical-all three terms will be defined and contrasted. Thereafter psychedelic therapy will be presented and analysed in order to reveal the missing place for metaphysics. Metaphysics, with epistemology (theory of knowledge) and axiology (ethics and aesthetics), is a defining branch of Philosophy. Metaphysics, in contrast to mysticism, is considered to be based on argument rather than pure revelation. Thus, in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy one sees here the potential bridge between reason-based philosophy and practical therapy-or, more broadly, with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy there is the potential and mutually beneficial fusion of philosophy with practical science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes
- Department of Sociology, Philosophy, & Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Heal DJ, Gosden J, Smith SL, Atterwill CK. Experimental strategies to discover and develop the next generation of psychedelics and entactogens as medicines. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109375. [PMID: 36529260 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Research on classical psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD and DMT) and entactogen, MDMA, has produced a renaissance in the search for more effective drugs to treat psychiatric, neurological and various peripheral disorders. Psychedelics and entactogens act though interaction with 5-HT2A and other serotonergic receptors and/or monoamine reuptake transporters. 5-HT, which serves as a neurotransmitter and hormone, is ubiquitously distributed in the brain and peripheral organs, tissues and cells where it has vasoconstrictor, pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive actions. Serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens have known safety and toxicity risks. For these drugs, the risks been extensively researched and empirically assessed through human experience. However, novel drug-candidates require thorough non-clinical testing not only to predict clinical efficacy, but also to address the risks they pose during clinical development and later after approval as prescription medicines. We have defined the challenges researchers will encounter when developing novel serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens. We describe screening techniques to predict clinical efficacy and address the safety/toxicity risks emerging from our knowledge of the existing drugs: 1) An early-stage, non-clinical screening cascade to pharmacologically characterise novel drug-candidates. 2) Models to detect hallucinogenic activity. 3) Models to differentiate hallucinogens from entactogens. 4) Non-clinical preclinical lead optimisation technology (PLOT) screening to select drug-candidates. 5) Modified animal models to evaluate the abuse and dependence risks of novel psychedelics in Safety Pharmacology testing. Our intention has been to design non-clinical screening strategies that will reset the balance between benefits and harms to deliver more effective and safer novel psychedelics for clinical use. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'National Institutes of Health Psilocybin Research Speaker Series'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Heal
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK; Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - J Gosden
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK.
| | - S L Smith
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lapidos A, Lopez-Vives D, Sera CE, Ahearn E, Vest E, Senic I, Vande Voort JL, Frye M, Goes FS, Achtyes E, Greden J, Parikh SV. Patients' recovery and non-recovery narratives after intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:534-539. [PMID: 36481228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous (IV) ketamine is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression. A large data base is confirmatory and steadily expanding. Qualitative studies can inform best practices and suggest new research directions. As part of a clinical trial designed to identify biomarkers of ketamine response, a qualitative study was conducted to characterize experiences with: receiving infusions; recovering or not recovering from depression; and beliefs about why ketamine worked or did not work. METHODS Adults with treatment-resistant depression received three IV ketamine infusions in a two-week period and were characterized as remitters or non-remitters via symptom reduction 24 h after the third infusion. Qualitative interviews of a subset of participants were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using deductive and inductive methods. Themes were derived and compared across a broader construct of recovery status. RESULTS Of the 21 participants, nine (43 %) were characterized as having experienced remission and 12 (57 %) non-remission. Of the 12 non-remitters, five were characterized as having experienced partial recovery based on their subjective experiences, reporting substantial benefit from ketamine infusions despite non-remission status based on scale measurements. Attributions for ketamine's effects included biological and experiential mechanisms. Among non-remitters there was risk of disappointment when adding another failed treatment. LIMITATIONS A more diverse sample may have yielded different themes. Different patients had different amounts of time elapsed between ketamine infusions and qualitative interview. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative methods may enhance researchers' characterization of IV ketamine's impact on treatment-resistant depression. While requiring confirmation, patients may benefit from a preparatory milieu that prepares them for multiple recovery pathways; decouples the psychedelic experience from clinical outcomes; and addresses potential risks of another failed treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Lapidos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA.
| | | | - Cortney E Sera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ahearn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Erica Vest
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Ivana Senic
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | | | - Mark Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, USA
| | - Fernando S Goes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Eric Achtyes
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, USA; Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - John Greden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA; Eisenberg Family Depression Center
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA; Eisenberg Family Depression Center
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Marguilho M, Figueiredo I, Castro-Rodrigues P. A unified model of ketamine's dissociative and psychedelic properties. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:14-32. [PMID: 36527355 PMCID: PMC9834329 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221140011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist which is increasingly being researched and used as a treatment for depression. In low doses, it can cause a transitory modification in consciousness which was classically labelled as 'dissociation'. However, ketamine is also commonly classified as an atypical psychedelic and it has been recently reported that ego dissolution experiences during ketamine administration are associated with greater antidepressant response. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted several similarities between the effects of ketamine and those of serotonergic psychedelics in the brain; however, no unified account has been proposed for ketamine's multi-level effects - from molecular to network and psychological levels. Here, we propose that the fast, albeit transient, antidepressant effects observed after ketamine infusions are mainly driven by its acute modulation of reward circuits and sub-acute increase in neuroplasticity, while its dissociative and psychedelic properties are driven by dose- and context-dependent disruption of large-scale functional networks. Computationally, as nodes of the salience network (SN) represent high-level priors about the body ('minimal' self) and nodes of the default-mode network (DMN) represent the highest-level priors about narrative self-experience ('biographical' self), we propose that transitory SN desegregation and disintegration accounts for ketamine's 'dissociative' state, while transitory DMN desegregation and disintegration accounts for ketamine's 'psychedelic' state. In psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, a relaxation of the highest-level beliefs with psychotherapeutic support may allow a revision of pathological self-representation models, for which neuroplasticity plays a permissive role. Our account provides a multi-level rationale for using the psychedelic properties of ketamine to increase its long-term benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Castro-Rodrigues
- Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Pedro Castro-Rodrigues, Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Avenida do Brasil, 53, Lisbon, 1749-002, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bosch OG, Halm S, Seifritz E. Psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression. Int J Bipolar Disord 2022; 10:18. [PMID: 35788817 PMCID: PMC9256889 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-022-00265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a narrative review about the role of classic and two atypical psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression. Since the 1990s, psychedelics experience a renaissance in biomedical research. The so-called classic psychedelics include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline and ayahuasca. Characteristic effects like alterations in sensory perception, as well as emotion- and self-processing are induced by stimulation of serotonin 2A receptors in cortical areas. The new paradigm of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy suggests a therapeutic framework in which a safely conducted psychedelic experience is integrated into a continuous psychotherapeutic process. First randomized, controlled trials with psilocybin show promising efficacy, tolerability, and adherence in the treatment of unipolar depression. On the other hand, classic psychedelics seem to be associated with the induction of mania, which is an important issue to consider for the design of research and clinical protocols. So called atypical psychedelics are a heterogeneous group with overlapping subjective effects but different neurobiological mechanisms. Two examples of therapeutic value in psychiatry are 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ketamine. Since 2020 the ketamine enantiomer esketamine has been granted international approval for treatment-resistant unipolar depression, and also first evidence exists for the therapeutic efficacy of ketamine in bipolar depression. Whether psychedelics will fulfil current expectations and find their way into broader clinical use will depend on future rigorous clinical trials with larger sample sizes. A well-considered therapeutic and legal framework will be crucial for these substances to create new treatment settings and a potential paradigm shift.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Simon Halm
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mathai DS, Mora V, Garcia-Romeu A. Toward Synergies of Ketamine and Psychotherapy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:868103. [PMID: 35401323 PMCID: PMC8992793 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.868103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative drug that has been used medically since the 1970s primarily as an anesthetic agent but also for various psychiatric applications. Anecdotal reports and clinical research suggest substantial potential for ketamine as a treatment in conjunction with psychological interventions. Here, we review historical and modern approaches to the use of ketamine with psychotherapy, discuss the clinical relevance of ketamine’s acute psychoactive effects, propose a unique model for using esketamine (one isomeric form of ketamine) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and suggest considerations for moving medication-assisted psychotherapy forward as a field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Mathai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Victoria Mora
- School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Grabski M, McAndrew A, Lawn W, Marsh B, Raymen L, Stevens T, Hardy L, Warren F, Bloomfield M, Borissova A, Maschauer E, Broomby R, Price R, Coathup R, Gilhooly D, Palmer E, Gordon-Williams R, Hill R, Harris J, Mollaahmetoglu OM, Curran HV, Brandner B, Lingford-Hughes A, Morgan CJA. Adjunctive Ketamine With Relapse Prevention-Based Psychological Therapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2022; 179:152-162. [PMID: 35012326 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early evidence suggests that ketamine may be an effective treatment to sustain abstinence from alcohol. The authors investigated the safety and efficacy of ketamine compared with placebo in increasing abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder. An additional aim was to pilot ketamine combined with mindfulness-based relapse prevention therapy compared with ketamine and alcohol education as a therapy control. METHODS In a double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial, 96 patients with severe alcohol use disorder were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: 1) three weekly ketamine infusions (0.8 mg/kg i.v. over 40 minutes) plus psychological therapy, 2) three saline infusions plus psychological therapy, 3) three ketamine infusions plus alcohol education, or 4) three saline infusions plus alcohol education. The primary outcomes were self-reported percentage of days abstinent and confirmed alcohol relapse at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Ninety-six participants (35 women; mean age, 44.07 years [SD=10.59]) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The treatment was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were associated with the study drug. Although confidence intervals were wide, consistent with a proof-of-concept study, there were a significantly greater number of days abstinent from alcohol in the ketamine group compared with the placebo group at 6-month follow-up (mean difference=10.1%, 95% CI=1.1, 19.0), with the greatest reduction in the ketamine plus therapy group compared with the saline plus education group (15.9%, 95% CI=3.8, 28.1). There was no significant difference in relapse rate between the ketamine and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that treatment with three infusions of ketamine was well tolerated in patients with alcohol use disorder and was associated with more days of abstinence from alcohol at 6-month follow-up. The findings suggest a possible beneficial effect of adding psychological therapy alongside ketamine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Grabski
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Amy McAndrew
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Will Lawn
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Beth Marsh
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Laura Raymen
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Tobias Stevens
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Lorna Hardy
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Fiona Warren
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Michael Bloomfield
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Anya Borissova
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Emily Maschauer
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Rupert Broomby
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Robert Price
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Rachel Coathup
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - David Gilhooly
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Edward Palmer
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Richard Gordon-Williams
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Robert Hill
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Jen Harris
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - O Merve Mollaahmetoglu
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Brigitta Brandner
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| | - Celia J A Morgan
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (Grabski, McAndrew, Marsh, Raymen, Stevens, Hardy, Maschauer, Palmer, Mollaahmetoglu, Morgan) and College of Medicine and Health (Warren), University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (Grabski, Lawn, Marsh, Bloomfield, Borissova, Curran) and Translational Psychiatry Research Group (Bloomfield), University College London; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, U.K. (Broomby, Price); University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Coathup, Gilhooly, Gordon-Williams, Brandner); South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London (Hill, Harris); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London (Lingford-Hughes)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer A, Kuin B, Veraart J, Kamphuis J, Schimmel N, van den Brink W, Vermetten E, Schoevers R. Holding on or letting go? Patient experiences of control, context, and care in oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression: A qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:948115. [PMID: 36506427 PMCID: PMC9732097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.948115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine and its enantiomer esketamine represent promising new treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Esketamine induces acute, transient psychoactive effects. How patients perceive esketamine treatment, and which conditions facilitate optimal outcomes, remains poorly understood. Understanding patient perspectives on these phenomena is important to identify unmet needs, which can be used to improve (es)ketamine treatments. AIMS To explore the perspectives of TRD patients participating in "off label" oral esketamine treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients (11 women) after a six-week, twice-weekly esketamine treatment program, and subsequently after six months of at-home use. Interviews explored participants' perspectives, expectations, and experiences with esketamine treatment. Audio interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed following an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. RESULTS Key themes included overwhelming experiences; inadequate preparation; letting go of control; mood states influencing session experiences; presence and emotional support, and supportive settings. Patients' attempts to let go and give into vs. attempts to maintain control over occasionally overwhelming experiences was a central theme. Multiple factors influenced patients' ability to give into the experience and appeared to impact their mood and anxiety about future sessions, including level of preparation and education, physical and emotional support, and setting during the session. CONCLUSION Better preparation beforehand, an optimized treatment setting, and emotional and psychological support during (es)ketamine sessions can help patients to "let go" and may lead to better quality of care and outcomes. Recommendations to improve quality of patient care in (es)ketamine treatment are provided, including suggestions for the training of nurses and other support staff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bouwe Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jolien Veraart
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,PsyQ Haaglanden, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nina Schimmel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Research Program Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robert Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Walsh Z, Mollaahmetoglu OM, Rootman J, Golsof S, Keeler J, Marsh B, Nutt DJ, Morgan CJA. Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review. BJPsych Open 2021; 8:e19. [PMID: 35048815 PMCID: PMC8715255 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past two decades, subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have been demonstrated to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, and accumulating research has demonstrated ketamine's therapeutic effects for a range of psychiatric conditions. AIMS In light of these findings surrounding ketamine's psychotherapeutic potential, we systematically review the extant evidence on ketamine's effects in treating mental health disorders. METHOD The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (identifier CRD42019130636). Human studies investigating the therapeutic effects of ketamine in the treatment of mental health disorders were included. Because of the extensive research in depression, bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, only systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. We searched Medline and PsycINFO on 21 October 2020. Risk-of-bias analysis was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Checklist. RESULTS We included 83 published reports in the final review: 33 systematic reviews, 29 randomised controlled trials, two randomised trials without placebo, three non-randomised trials with controls, six open-label trials and ten retrospective reviews. The results were presented via narrative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide support for robust, rapid and transient antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects of ketamine. Evidence for other indications is less robust, but suggests similarly positive and short-lived effects. The conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the high risk of bias of included studies. Optimal dosing, modes of administration and the most effective forms of adjunctive psychotherapeutic support should be examined further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zach Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Rootman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shannon Golsof
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Johanna Keeler
- Eating Disorders Research Group, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Beth Marsh
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK; and Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, UK; and Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Celia J A Morgan
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Keeler JL, Treasure J, Juruena MF, Kan C, Himmerich H. Ketamine as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:4158. [PMID: 34836413 PMCID: PMC8625822 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly complex disorder to treat, especially in severe and enduring cases. Whilst the precise aetiology of the disorder is uncertain, malnutrition and weight loss can contribute to reductions in grey and white matter of the brain, impairments in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and difficulties with cognitive flexibility, memory and learning. Depression is highly comorbid in AN and may be a barrier to recovery. However, traditional antidepressants are often ineffective in alleviating depressive symptoms in underweight patients with AN. There is an urgent need for new treatment approaches for AN. This review gives a conceptual overview for the treatment of AN with ketamine. Ketamine has rapid antidepressant effects, which are hypothesised to occur via increases in glutamate, with sequelae including increased neuroplasticity, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. This article provides an overview of the use of ketamine for common psychiatric comorbidities of AN and discusses particular safety concerns and side effects. Potential avenues for future research and specific methodological considerations are explored. Overall, there appears to be ample theoretical background, via several potential mechanisms, that warrant the exploration of ketamine as a treatment for adults with AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Louise Keeler
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
| | - Janet Treasure
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
| | - Mario F. Juruena
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Carol Kan
- Eating Disorder Service, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, 1 Nightingale Place, Kensington & Chelsea, London SW10 9NG, UK;
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
| |
Collapse
|