Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine Therapy Overview

Research has shown that ketamine has antidepressive properties and ketamine infusion therapy has been incorporated into the treatment and management of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety) and chronic pain. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that has traditionally been used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Esketamine nasal spray, the s-enantiomer of ketamine, is FDA-approved for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

As ketamine infusion clinics become more widely available, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are providing ketamine therapy services as part of the patient’s treatment and management. Collaboration between psychiatric clinicians, including psychiatric-mental health nurses, and ketamine infusion providers is recommended for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, referral for evaluation and treatment, and management of patient issues. These professionals complement each other’s skills and knowledge in the assessment, management, and delivery of ketamine infusion therapy for appropriate psychiatric disorders with a focus on improved patient safety, outcomes, and general well-being.