Conditions Treated With KAP
Depression
The NIH estimates 30 million Americans suffer from moderate to severe depression. Symptoms include on-going feelings of sadness, diminished interest or pleasure in daily life, inability to focus, irritability, lack of motivation, worthlessness, insomnia, despair, as well as thoughts of death and suicide. Millions of these individuals have TRD (treatment-resistant depression) who report that traditional “talk” therapy and antidepressants are not effective and continue to struggle with this debilitating condition.
KAP (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy) was approved by the FDA in 2019 as a breakthrough for treatment for depression, recognizing many of the unique benefits of this medicine.
40 years of clinical studies and research confirm Ketamine works on the glutamate system in ways that stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity; functions that increase the brain’s ability to repair, restore, and grow new neural pathways and “rewire” them in healthy, positive ways. This results in rapid symptom relief and the opportunity to make long-term improvements in mood and affect.
Benefits of KAP for Depression
Feel Better Fast: The urgent need for rapid symptom relief is one of the most challenging aspects of treating depression. KAP offers a quicker route to feeling better. Over 80% report significant symptom relief in 1-2 hours of fist KAP treatment; 90% after three or more! “This is a game changer,” says John Krystal, MD, chief psychiatrist at Yale Medicine and one of the pioneers of ketamine research in the country. The drug works differently than those used previously, he notes, calling ketamine “the anti-medication” medication. “
Holistic Healing: Ketamine dosing sessions are paired with Integration sessions that optimizes this new mindset by transforming the medicine’s short-term relief into long term, daily actions in ways that reinforce and strengthen new positive behavioral changes.
Freedom from daily Antidepressant dosing The effectiveness of SSRI’s require daily dosing for life and come with potential side effects, including: loss of libido (reduced sex drive), difficulty achieving orgasm during sex or masturbation, in men, difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, excessive sweating, sleeping problems (insomnia) or drowsiness, and headaches.
Anxiety
The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase of anxiety since 2019. Traditional treatments for anxiety, (talk therapy and anti-anxiety medications) have not kept pace with the dramatic increase of this debilitating condition. Symptoms can include: Feeling nervous, restless or tense, pervasive sense of impending danger, panic or doom, increased heart rate, Breathing rapidly, Sweating, Trembling, Feeling weak or tired, Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry, sleep problems, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, rumination, difficulty controlling worry, the urge to avoid people, places, things that trigger anxiety.
KAP Benefits for Anxiety
Freedom from Anti-Anxiety side effects. The side effects of regular anti-anxiety medication include: drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, disorientation, slow or slurred speech, amnesia, and breathing difficulties. In the case of benzodiazepines, regular use can cause dependency, addiction, and require medical supervision to detox.
Enhancement of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Ketamine appears to improve the brain’s ability to grow and rewire brain cells. These enhancements are thought to interrupt old brain signaling around drug cravings and the addictive behaviors that follow.
Disruption of relevant functional neural networks. These larger brain structures act like algorithms that store, process, and make meaning. Ketamine seems to disrupt neural networks associated with addictive behavior.
KAP for Recovery
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy’s ability to promote long-term recovery from addictive substances and behaviors is showing great promise. A recent 10 year outcome study found that 65% of individuals who received Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder maintained long-term abstinence (as defined as 12 month or more of continuous sobriety) this is more than triple the national average for “traditional” addiction treatment, including in/out patient treatment facilities, talk therapy, and 12-step based programs.
KAP Benefits for Recovery:
Reduces depressive/anxious symptoms, fast ketamine binds to the MDA receptor, affecting the glutamate system, (not the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems that are currently treated with SSRI’s. Ketamine also works faster – 80% of clients experience a relief of depressive/anxious symptoms in 1-2 hours of administration! “This is a game changer,” says John Krystal, MD, chief psychiatrist at Yale Medicine and one of the pioneers of ketamine research in the country. The drug works differently than those used previously, he notes, calling ketamine “the anti-medication” medication.
Provokes Transformative experience. Ketamine’s psychedelic properties “leads to significantly greater mystical-type effects.” The increased opportunity to encounter things “greater than self” during a ketamine journey contributes to profound shifts in perspective and transformative experiences. The efficacy of mystical, or spiritual experiences on sobriety is the bedrock of faith-based recovery programs in general and 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous in particular.
Blocks reconsolidation of drug-related memories. Ketamine has the remarkable ability to block or interfere with negative, self-reinforcing, addictive beliefs that get activated during times of stress or craving. This is particularly helpful in preventing old, ruminative, “stinkin’ thinkin’” from resurfacing and enabling the brain’s innate ability to create new, recovery-centric neuronal networks.
Enhancing psychological therapy efficacy. Ketamine is the catalyst, not the cure. Outcome studies report the full potential of ketamine is realized when paired with integration psychotherapy. Total abstinence for more than one year was observed in 73 out of 111 (65.8%) of AUD clients who leveraged the benefits of ketamine with multiple integration psychotherapy therapy. Similar findings are being reported for KAP treatment of opiate, stimulant, and behavioral/process addictions (i.e., compulsive gambling, sex/pornography, shopping.)
Chronic Stress
Chronic Stress can negatively affect every aspect of your life—from your emotional well-being to your physical health. Traditional stress management techniques, though useful for some, may not offer the deep-rooted relief that many seek. That’s why Howard P. Goodman is proud to provide an alternative path through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) specifically designed to manage and alleviate Chronic Stress.
KAP offers an integrated solution, blending the immediate benefits of ketamine with the long-lasting coping strategies often developed in psychotherapy. Here’s how KAP could serve as your unique stress management strategy:
Physiological Reset: Chronic stress can trap your nervous system in a “fight or flight” mode. Ketamine has the potential to break this stressful cycle at the neural level, helping to reset your body’s stress response system.
Mindfulness Reinforcement: Ketamine can help deepen the state of awareness during psychotherapy, enabling more effective integration of stress management techniques such as mindfulness.
Sustained Relaxation: KAP aims to equip you with the cognitive and emotional tools needed for long-term stress management, rather than offering just a short-term fix.
Grief & Loss
The experience of grief and loss can be profoundly debilitating, leaving one trapped in an emotional quagmire. standard therapeutic approaches can be effective, but not for everyone. Howard P. Goodman proudly offers a unique and integrative approach—Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) specifically designed for those grappling with grief and loss.
KAP combines the fast-acting relief provided by ketamine with the transformative power of psychotherapy. This approach is revolutionizing how we treat grief and loss. Here’s how KAP works:
Immediate Emotional Easing: Ketamine can offer quick relief from intense emotional pain, providing a “breathing space” that makes deeper therapeutic work possible.
Cognitive Breakthroughs: During KAP sessions, ketamine’s psychoactive properties can help you unlock and process deeply-seated emotions and memories, making the therapy more effective.
Sustained Emotional Recovery: KAP aims not just to provide momentary relief but to lay the groundwork for long-term healing and emotional wellness.
PTSD
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make every day a struggle. Traditional treatment options, although effective for some, might not provide the comprehensive relief that you need. We understand these challenges and are committed to offering a groundbreaking alternative—Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for PTSD.
Navigating through PTSD often involves complex treatment pathways. KAP aims to provide a more direct, effective, and sustainable approach. Here’s how:
Memory Reconsolidation: Ketamine has been shown to play a significant role in the process of memory reconsolidation, which is crucial for individuals dealing with PTSD. By disrupting negative thought patterns and facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories, KAP can contribute to lasting change and recovery. Learn more about the role of ketamine in treating PTSD.
Quick Symptom Alleviation: The urgent need for relief from flashbacks, nightmares, and crippling anxiety can be addressed swiftly through KAP. The ketamine component often delivers rapid alleviation of acute symptoms, allowing you to find immediate peace.
Sustained Mental Health: While acute relief is crucial, our ultimate goal is long-term wellness. Our KAP treatment aims to equip you with coping strategies for enduring mental health.
OCD
Are you or a loved one struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Traditional treatments might not always be effective. We offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), an innovative approach for treating OCD.
OCD is a complex mental disorder. We understand the burden it places on your life and are committed to providing effective treatment options.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the effects of ketamine with psychotherapy, offering a powerful solution for OCD sufferers.
Synergistic Approach: Ketamine opens neurological pathways, which is further leveraged by psychotherapy for long-lasting improvements.
Short-Term Relief: Experience rapid relief from anxiety and compulsive thoughts.
Long-Term Improvement: Our unique approach ensures sustained relief from OCD symptoms.