OPEN Foundation

Ketamine treatment for depression: qualitative study exploring patient views

Abstract

Background: Ketamine is a new and promising treatment for depression but comes with challenges to implement because of its potential for abuse.

Aims: We sought the views of patients to inform policy and practical decisions about the clinical use of ketamine before large-scale roll-out is considered.

Method: This qualitative study used three focus groups and three validation sessions from 14 patients with prior diagnoses of depression but no experience of ketamine treatment. Focus groups explored their views about clinical use of ketamine and the best way for ketamine to be administered and monitored. The qualitative data were analysed by three service-user researchers using thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were generated: changing public perceptions, risks, monitoring, privacy and data protection, and practical aspects. Participants were conscious of the stigma attached to ketamine as a street drug and wanted better public education, and evidence on the safety of ketamine after long-term use. They felt that monitoring was required to provide evidence for ketamine’s safe use and administration, but there were concerns about the misuse of this information. Practical aspects included discussions about treatment duration, administration and accessibility (for example who would receive it, under what criteria and how).

Conclusions: Patients are enthusiastic about ketamine treatment but need more information before national roll-out. The wider societal impact of ketamine treatment also needs to be considered and patients need to be part of any future roll-out to ensure its success.

Jilka, S., Odoi, C. M., Wilson, E., Meran, S., Simblett, S., & Wykes, T. (2021). Ketamine treatment for depression: qualitative study exploring patient views. BJPsych open, 7(1), e32. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2020.165

Link to full text

OPEN Foundation

Share This Post

get the latest

The OPEN Minded Newsletter keeps you informed about the latest psychedelic research & news, articles, exclusive events, job opportunities, programmes, and free resources!

By clicking SUBSCRIBE, I confirm to receive emails from the OPEN Foundation and agree with its privacy policy.

interested in becoming a trained psychedelic-assisted therapist?

Q&A with Rachel Harris: Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground - Online Event - Oct 16th