Lecture: Ketamine - Revolutionary new depression treatment or pseudo-science? A panel discussion of the latest evidence
Dr Hayley Tomes with panellists: Dr Philippa Skowno (Counselling Psychologist), Jamie Elkon (Clinical psychologist), Dr Suntheren Pillay (Psychiatrist), and Dr Carl Beuster (Psychiatrist)
Ketamine, originally synthesized in the early 1960s as an anaesthetic, quickly gained prominence for its efficacy and safety profile in human and veterinary medicine. For decades, its use was primarily limited to surgical and emergency settings, but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in its potential to treat mental health disorders, particularly depression. There will be a brief introduction into the latest scientific research on ketamine’s therapeutic potential, focusing on its unique mechanism of action, which differentiates it from traditional antidepressants. Since it can be legally prescribed for off-label use, this has led to the establishment of several ketamine depression-treatment programmes locally but is it being widely used too soon?
Our panel of experts discuss this and much, much more drawing on their extensive clinical and therapeutic experiences. The therapeutic potential as well as the possibility of harm is explored at length as well as many questions from the engaged audience in attendance.