Using Ketamine to Treat Depression

This episode’s guest is Dr. Will Van Derveer, a recognized leader in integrative psychiatry, who shares his insight about using ketamine to treat depression and the different schools of thought about how it should be used. He provides some background about the origins of ketamine use in medicine and research studies that demonstrated positive results for patients with depression. The discussion touches on the concerns with ketamine (diversion and addiction), the duration of benefit, “rule outs” to consider, and the influence of Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind, on the renewed interest in psychedelics as therapeutic tools. Based on his experience, Dr. Van Derveer also talks about creating the optimal setting and preparing patients for this type of treatment as well as taking an integrative approach that looks at underlying issues, such as diet and lifestyle habits, that contribute to depression.

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Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient’s specific condition.