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Writer's pictureBeyond The Mind Therapy Team

Ketamine Benefits for Adolescents (More Info)

If you’ve struggled to find relief for your teen’s mental health challenges,

ketamine treatment might be the breakthrough solution you’re looking for is a safe, effective, and fast-acting, ketamine therapy is a game-changing treatment for clinical depression, anxiety, and trauma. Even if your child’s symptoms have been labeled treatment-resistant.


As a parent, seeing your teen grapple with depression, anxiety, or trauma is a heart--

wrenching experience. While traditional medications are effective for some, they often fall short — especially if your child has treatment-resistant symptoms or if rapid intervention is crucial. Not to mention the fact that many of us would love to avoid psychiatric medication for our children altogether.


Enter Ketamine infusions and Ketamine-assisted therapy, a truly game-changing option

for teens suffering from mental health issues. Helping your teen with ketamine therapy might sound scary at first, but we promise it’s worth considering.


Currently, ketamine is the only rapid-action prescription for depression on the

market. It also helps treat anxiety, PTSD, and complex trauma. Ketamine can even

eliminate the need for other psychiatric drugs in some cases.


If the idea of giving your child ketamine sounds daunting or scary, you’re far from

alone. At our clinic, we safely administer Ketamine to adolescents and teens from 11-18

years old, and even younger in select cases. If there’s one thing these patients and their

parents have in common though, it’s anxiety about trying a treatment with effects similar

to a psychedelic.


This is where the right information and guidance is crucial. However, Ketamine is not

only incredibly effective, it’s also extremely safe. It’s been on the World Health

The organization’s list of essential medicines has been around for over half a century, and one of its common uses is as an anesthetic for pediatric surgeries. In other words, ketamine has already been in use for younger populations for many years.


Let’s explore this innovative solution for teen mental health issues and help you decide

if it might be worth trying with your teen.


The Alarming Rise of Teen Depression and Anxiety

Over the past 10-15 years, there’s been a startling surge in adolescent depression and

anxiety. According to the most recent national survey on mental health, 1 in 5 teens

suffered a major depressive episode in the past year. And around 15% had experienced

severe impairment in major areas of their lives.


Factors like social media, isolation, academic pressures, and trauma have contributed

to this crisis. The consequences are devastating — plummeting self-esteem, fractured

relationships, falling academic achievement, and elevated risks of substance abuse and

suicide.


There is good news though and reason for hope. Ketamine infusions have

demonstrated astounding efficacy for depression, anxiety, processing trauma, and even

suicidality — all with higher success rates than standard medications.

In our clinic, we’ve observed that 90% of patients of all ages show significant

improvement in their depression and anxiety symptoms after ketamine treatment.

And this figure becomes over 95% when treating depression alone — even if

symptoms have been labeled treatment-resistant.


What is ketamine? And what’s the best form of administration for teens and

adolescents?


Ketamine (full name: ketamine hydrochloride) is a rapid-acting dissociative anesthetic

agent that blocks certain brain and spinal cord receptors. The result is

relief from pain and the growth of new neurons.


Though initially approved as an anesthetic, it was discovered that sub-anesthetic doses

of racemic ketamine can provide fast-acting antidepressant effects as well as help with

anxiety symptoms. Research confirms its safety in teens/adolescents and in fact

Ketamine has been used safely in pediatric populations for decades as an anesthetic

and pain reliever.


In many cases, it is most effectively administered via IV infusion (intravenous ketamine)

or intramuscular injection (IM ketamine) although smaller doses are possible via nasal

sprays, pills, and sublingual administration. Studies show that IV and IM ketamine can

have longer-lasting effects than other methods, and the experience itself is often deeper

and more profound with these two methods.


Why we prefer ketamine Intramuscular injections over Intravenous infusion


At our clinic, we’ve offered all of the different routes of administration over the years and

have found the best, most consistent results with IM ketamine infusions.

Intramuscular (IM) injections offer several advantages over intravenous (IV)

administration in certain clinical situations. Expanding on the benefits of IM injections:


1. No Need for Continuous Monitoring: IM injections are often quick and do not

require the same level of monitoring as IV infusions. IV therapy often demands

continuous monitoring to ensure the drip is flowing properly, the vein is not

infiltrated, and the catheter remains secure, whereas IM injections typically

involve one shot and minimal follow-up.


2. Reduced Risk of Blood Loss: IV access requires venipuncture, which can

sometimes cause noticeable blood loss, especially if repeated attempts are

needed. In contrast, IM injections penetrate muscle tissue without entering a

vein, thus minimizing blood exposure.


3. Lower Risk of Infection: IV therapy presents a higher risk for infection due to

the direct access to the bloodstream through a catheter, which remains in place

for the duration of the infusion. With IM injections, the risk of infection is reduced

as the needle is withdrawn immediately after the injection, leaving no foreign

object inside the body.


4. Increased Mobility: During an IV infusion, the patient may be limited in their

movements due to the catheter and tubing. IM injections allow more freedom of

movement before and after the procedure, as the patient is not tethered to an IV

line, which can enhance comfort and convenience.


5. Less Pain and Discomfort Over Time: While an IV catheter may cause

discomfort throughout the duration of the infusion, an IM injection is typically a

quick puncture with minimal sustained discomfort. For patients who find IV lines

distressing, IM injections can be a more tolerable alternative.


6. Suitable for Non-IV Candidates: Some patients have veins that are difficult to

access, either due to medical conditions like dehydration, obesity, or prior IV drug

use. In these cases, IM injections offer an easier alternative, reducing the need

for multiple venipuncture attempts.


7. More Practical in Emergency Settings: In emergencies or field settings where

rapid access to a vein may not be feasible, IM injections are often preferred for

administering medications like epinephrine or vaccines. They can be delivered

quickly and efficiently without the need for setting up IV equipment.


8. Rapid Absorption for Certain Medications: While IV injections are the fastest

route for drug administration, certain medications delivered intramuscularly (such as antibiotics or vaccines) can still be absorbed relatively quickly due to the rich

the blood supply in muscles.


9. Each route of administration has its place depending on the clinical scenario, but

these factors make IM injections an appealing option for situations where IV

access is less practical or necessary.


Is ketamine treatment for those under 18 new?

One of the reasons ketamine can seem scary to parents is that it feels like a new,

untested treatment. While it’s true that ketamine’s use in mental health is more recent,

it’s been safely in use since the early 1960s in both adult and pediatric

populations. 


At our clinic, we’ve been providing ketamine for depressive symptoms and other mood

disorders for an extensive time. After numerous successful sessions and patient

recoveries, we find it to be one of the most effective, safest medical interventions we

know of.


Here’s a brief timeline of how ketamine went from an anesthetic to a new gold

standard in mental health treatment:


Ketamine vs. Psychiatric Medications

Ketamine Infusions have several advantages over antidepressant medication and other

Standard psychiatric medicine:


 Faster relief: Ketamine infusion therapy works much faster than standard

antidepressants, providing effects within hours or days. This rapid response is

vital for those experiencing suicidal ideation.


 Help with treatment-resistant symptoms: The use of ketamine can help reduce

symptoms in the majority of cases labeled as treatment-resistant.


 Reduced side effects: Ketamine has fewer side effects compared to traditional

antidepressants. Most of the ketamine’s side effects disappear within hours of the

treatment.


 Simultaneous relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma: Ketamine can

help with co-occurring disorders, potentially reducing the need for separate

medications.


It’s important to note that psychiatric medication management still has its role in treating

mental health issues for your teen, but ketamine can be used concurrently with other

medications in most cases. At our center, we often suggest ketamine treatment as a

temporary bridge to bring fast relief while medication has time to take effect.

Ketamine and Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)


At our center, we believe it’s essential for teens undergoing ketamine treatment to also

engage in psychotherapy. Adolescent/teen therapy and ketamine work well together,

with ketamine helping to accelerate the progress your child can make in therapy

sessions. Together, they can address environmental and psychosocial issues, such as

bullying, identity, academic pressures, or family conflict. Medication might help relieve

symptoms, but it can’t address the root causes.


One of the ways ketamine enhances therapy is by facilitating access to deep-seated

parts of ourselves, including repressed memories or thoughts. Ketamine can temporarily

loosen these protective mechanisms, leading to greater insights and breakthrough

moments in therapy.


An Important Note About Ketamine and Trauma


If your teen is having PTSD or other trauma, their ketamine treatment can require extra

care. Ketamine can bring up difficult memories, potentially making your teen feel worse

before they feel better. It’s crucial to help them understand that these negative feelings

are an essential step in processing and releasing their trauma. With younger patients,

it’s especially important to help them process their experiences with ketamine and

prepare them for potential effects like dissociation or altered vision.


Understanding Dissociation in Ketamine Treatment


Dissociation is a temporary altered state of consciousness characterized by detachment

from one’s surroundings, thoughts, or self. During dissociation, your child might feel as if

they’re floating, watching events from a distance, or observing themselves from outside

their body. Some describe it as a dreamlike state, with vivid imagery or brief, movie-like

scenes. Dissociation is temporary, and not everyone experiences it during treatment.

The likelihood varies based on individual sensitivity and dosage. Furthermore,

dissociation is not necessary for ketamine infusions to be effective.


Step-by-Step: What to Expect During a Ketamine Infusion


1. Initial Consultation: A thorough assessment and medical evaluation determine

if ketamine is the right fit. At our center, this is done with our board-certified

psychiatrist (MD).


2. Preparing for the Infusion: Patients are advised to have a light meal a few

hours before the treatment and wear comfortable clothing.


3. The Infusion Process: The infusion lasts about 60 minutes, followed by another

30-40 minutes of “clearing” — relaxing as the ketamine leaves the system.

Patients remain seated, wearing eyeshades, and may listen to special music to

enhance the experience.


4. Post-Infusion: Some drowsiness or dizziness might be experienced. Teens of

driving age must not drive for 12-24 hours after their session. Most can resume

normal activities the next day.


5. Initial Series and Follow-Up: Most patients have an initial series of 6-9

infusions over 3-5 weeks. Follow-up sessions are scheduled based on individual

needs.


Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment for Teens


Is ketamine treatment safe for teens and adolescents?

As a parent, your child’s safety is undoubtedly your top priority. It’s natural to have

concerns about any medical treatment, especially something as clouded in mystery —

and misinformation — as ketamine therapy.


Here’s the good news about ketamine’s safety record:

Ketamine has a well-established safety profile when administered in a controlled

medical setting by experienced professionals. It has been used as an anesthetic

for decades, including in pediatric populations. The doses used for mental health

treatment are much lower than those used for anesthesia, further reducing the

risk of complications.


It’s also important to put the safety profile of ketamine treatment in context. Untreated

depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can have serious, long-lasting

consequences for your child’s development and well-being. Ketamine therapy has

shown remarkable success in providing rapid relief from these symptoms, often when

other treatments have failed.


While no medical treatment is without risks, we believe that the potential benefits of

ketamine therapy often outweigh the risks for many young patients struggling with

mental health challenges. This is especially true when the risk of suicide is present, but we believe this is also true in many milder states of depression and anxiety where your

child’s life is impacted negatively.


What are the side effects and risks of ketamine therapy?


Side effects often come up in conversations about ketamine, but it’s important to note the

majority of these effects are temporary and subside shortly after the treatment session

as ketamine flushes from the body.


At our clinic, the most common short-term side effects we see are nausea, dizziness,

headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and visual effects. Any nausea

can be mitigated with Zofran or other anti-nausea medication, and it’s rare that ketamine

patients of any age vomit.


Dissociation is another possible short-term side effect, but this isn’t necessarily a

negative effect. Dissociation can be pleasant, and many patients find dissociative

ketamine experiences among the more insightful and helpful although it’s important to

note that dissociation isn’t necessary for ketamine treatment to be effective. Like all the

side effects of ketamine, understanding them in advance can greatly reduce any

distress or discomfort from them. This is especially true of the more psychedelic-like

effects from ketamine, such as dissociation and visual distortions.


Lastly, blood pressure rate and heart rate are monitored every several minutes in

person at our clinic. We would advise staying away from clinics that rely on video

monitoring. We would also advise choosing in-person ketamine therapy over at-home

treatment because of the medical supervision that’s only possible in person.


Are there any long-term risks with ketamine therapy for teens?


Regarding long-term risks, the most significant concern is the potential for bladder

issues with frequent, high-dose use. However, this risk is primarily associated with

the recreational misuse of ketamine and is extremely rare in the context of supervised

medical treatment. We carefully monitor dosing and frequency to minimize any potential

long-term effects.


As a parent, the decision to give any kind of medical treatment to your child is a

significant one. However, major depressive disorders and anxious depression among

young people can have lasting impacts on their overall well-being, academic success,

and social development. Untreated depression also significantly raises the risk of

addiction and suicidality.


We encourage anyone considering this treatment to learn more by speaking to

knowledgeable medical professionals who can review your child’s specific needs as well

as individual factors like medical history and other important considerations.


Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy for Teens


How old do you have to be for ketamine therapy? Is it safe to do ketamine

treatment under 18?


At our clinic, teen and adolescent patients ages 11-17 are often good candidates for

ketamine therapy, especially if other interventions aren’t working. Patients under 11 can

also be candidates, especially if suicidal thinking is present and rapid intervention is

prudent. We perform thorough assessments to determine the appropriateness of a case-

by-case basis.


Is ketamine therapy safe for teenagers? What are the risks?


Ketamine has been used safely in pediatric populations for decades as an anesthetic

and pain reliever. When administered in a medical setting by qualified staff, ketamine

therapy carries minimal risks. Potential side effects include dissociation, nausea,

headache, and dizziness — most of which resolve shortly after the infusion.


What mental health conditions can ketamine therapy for teens help treat?


Ketamine has demonstrated efficacy in treating teen depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD,

trauma-related conditions, OCD, and more. It can also rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts.

Additionally, it may play a role in managing chronic pain, inflammation, and addiction

disorders in some cases.


What are the potential side effects of ketamine therapy in teens?


Temporary side effects teens may experience include dissociation/unreal feelings,

blurred vision, headache, nausea, elevated blood pressure, and drowsiness. These

typically go away within hours after infusions. There are no known long-term side effects

of professionally administered ketamine at therapeutic doses based on current

research.


How does ketamine treatment for teens differ from adults?


For teens, we use lower doses tailored to body weight, with more gradual increases

than typical adult protocols. Sessions may involve greater psychotherapy support before

and after. More education is provided on what to expect. Overall, the process is very

similar, with adjustments to serve the individual needs and concerns of each patient.


How long does a typical ketamine treatment course last for teens? How many

infusions will my teen need?


Most patients require an initial series of 6-9 ketamine infusions over 4-5 weeks to

achieve therapeutic benefits. After that, maintenance sessions may be recommended,

with frequency varying based on the individual and their response over time. Our

medical team will work with you to determine the ideal infusion schedule.


Can ketamine be combined with my teen’s current medication?


In most cases, yes. Ketamine can be used in conjunction with antidepressants or other

psychiatric medications a teen is already prescribed. Our medical team will review all

current medications and determine if any adjustment is necessary.


What kind of support should parents provide during their teen’s ketamine

therapy?


Before treatment, it’s important to make sure your child has an open, nonjudgmental

space to share any questions or concerns. If they have specific anxieties or fears about

the treatment and if you need help discussing it with them, let us know and we’ll be happy

to help support you. More practical items for supporting your adolescent or teen during

treatment includes: transportation to/from appointments when needed, attending some

sessions with them, asking questions, processing experiences together, encouraging

psychotherapy participation, and providing healthy nutrition/sleep hygiene support at

home.

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