Unpacking the Science: How Aurora’s IV Ketamine Therapy Revolutionizes Mental Health Care

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Think of your brain as a complex urban highway system full of connecting ramps, bridges, and overpasses. Your brain's highway workers are constantly (but slowly) building more bridges, but depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other mental health disorders can slow or stop this process.

But ketamine has the ability to fix the existing bridges and makes that existing infrastructure more open to growth and healing. 

“While it typically takes 3-4 appointments to start noticing results, on the immediate side, we have seen some people respond after the initial infusion,” said Dr. Paul Colligan, CEO and a provider at Aurora Mental Health & Wellness in Waite Park.

One of the ways medical professionals believe ketamine works is by blocking a specific receptor in the brain, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, while most oral antidepressants block the reabsorption of serotonin, dopamine, and similar brain chemicals. 

The reasons for its efficacy are complex, but the bottom line is this: ketamine has higher success rates than traditional anti-depressant therapies. The providers at Aurora Mental Health and Wellness have seen some amazing improvements among their patients, notably among the PTSD and first-responder and/or veteran population as well as patients with ruminating suicidality. 

Below you will find some of the best current working theories around ketamine’s acting mechanisms and benefits, as compiled and explained by Dr. Colligan. 

1) NMDA Receptor Antagonism: Ketamine primarily works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is a type of glutamate receptor in the brain. By doing so, ketamine modulates the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate and dopamine. This modulation of neurotransmitter activity may play a role in alleviating symptoms of depression. 

2) Synaptic Plasticity: Ketamine has been shown to promote synaptic plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to reorganize its neural connections in response to learning and experience. This effect may help to reverse the atrophy of certain brain regions associated with depression and other mood disorders. 

3) Rapid Onset of Action: Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to months to produce noticeable effects, ketamine can alleviate symptoms of depression within hours to days after administration. This rapid onset of action is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts. 

4) Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that ketamine may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be relevant since inflammation has been implicated in the development of mood disorders. By reducing inflammation in the brain, ketamine may help to improve mood and cognitive function. 

5) Activation of AMPA Receptors: Ketamine also activates α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, another type of glutamate receptor. This activation leads to increased synaptic signaling, which may contribute to the antidepressant effects of ketamine. 

6) GABAergic Activity: Ketamine has been found to modulate the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. By enhancing GABAergic activity, ketamine may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. 

Ketamine is used to treat persistent depression, suicidality, and PTSD that hasn't responded to other medications. 

If you're wondering whether IV ketamine and Spravato (a nasal spray form of ketamine) could help you, visit the Aurora Mental Health & Wellness website or call 320-390-7338 to schedule a consultation.

Citations 

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