Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric disorder that causes repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and fear. The traditional treatment for OCD has been cognitive behavior therapy, drug therapy, or a combination. But Ketamine has shown promise in reducing OCD symptoms. The theory that ketamine reduces OCD has been studied and continues to be backed up by ongoing research.
Ketamine Reduces OCD Quickly and Affordably
A recent study was presented to the American Psychological Association (APA) during the annual meeting showing promising results of ketamine therapy to reduce OCD symptoms. This study included 10 unmedicated patients with OCD who were each given an infusion of 0.5mg of ketamine and 0.5mg of saline randomly.
During the first week, half of the patients responded to treatment. The patients who received ketamine in the first infusion were evaluated two weeks later; 40% responded to treatment.
Ketamine Reduces OCD in 40% of Patients who Were Studied
The theory is that ketamine infusions work through the glutamate system to rapidly decrease the symptoms of OCD. More research is necessary to fully understand the sustained effect of ketamine in the treatment of OCD. However, this study has shown promising results for future OCD treatment.
Call My Office to Hear More about How Ketamine Reduces OCD
To getting you back to your best self,
Lori Calabrese, MD
Hello. Are there any ketamine studies in the Boston area? Also, is it accessible in this area? Thank you for your assistance.
Massachusetts General Hospital, where I trained and taught, has ongoing ketamine clinical studies under the direction of Cristina Cusin, MD and her colleagues there. Please reach out to her.
Hello,
I am looking into possible options for a pediatric (17 y/o female) for severe OCD symptoms causing significant safety concerns r/t suicidal ideation. I was hoping to seek out some information related to the use of ketamine in this age group, and whether these services are available in Upstate New York. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Jennifer Dwyer MD and her colleagues just published an important study on treating adolescents with IV ketamine; in her study, the teens had depression and did remarkably well on ketamine. In my own peer-reviewed retrospective study using ketamine in 231 outpatients with treatment resistant depression and suicidal ideation, I included teens 14+. The full text of the paper is available here. Please reach out by email to info@loricalabresemd.com with information about where you are in upstate New York for help finding a psychiatrist in that area who provides ketamine treatment.
i like this article, it has a lot of info i need to know, thanks for sharing
As a 54 year old female with significant trauma, OCD has been present in different stages throughout my lifespan. I am curious if it will aid me with breaking through these barriers I struggle with daily: Paranoia, intrusive thoughts, separation from others, biting/picking/cutting my finger nails until they bleed, then continuing past that point, finding comfort in disorder and disorganization, and having no will power to clean my car or my apartment. There are more symptoms and some are habitual and repetitious in nature. I’ve become oblivious to all of the above and change is not a plan I can stick to. I’ve tried Journaling, meditation, DBT, CBT, and different meds along the way. I haven’t tried medications specifically for OCD, and have tried not to mention it too greatly in therapy. I’m scared doc. I cannot keep living like this! I’m ready for a change and ready to do whatever it takes to succeed! I am residing in Connecticut currently. I would very much like to hear your thoughts on my comment.
Respectfully,
A woman suffering to greatly
Although I cannot provide individual medical advice here, we see symptoms like those you describe, as well as others, respond to treatment because of the neuroplasticity it creates—so developing flexibility of thought and the freedom that comes with it, is something so many of our patients experience. Please call us if you would like to schedule an appointment: (860)648-9755.