Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative and effective treatment for individuals suffering from chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, has shown significant promise in helping to break the cycle of pain and depression that often goes hand-in-hand. When combined with psychotherapy, ketamine can facilitate deeper emotional processing and provide relief from symptoms that traditional treatments may not address.
For chronic pain sufferers, ketamine works by altering how the brain processes pain signals, offering both immediate relief and longer-lasting effects. It can reduce the intensity of pain and help patients reconnect with their bodies, enabling them to engage in physical and mental healing.
In the case of treatment-resistant depression, ketamine can provide rapid mood improvements, often within hours of administration. By stimulating the brain’s neuroplasticity, ketamine encourages the growth of new neural connections, which can lead to lasting improvements in mood and thought patterns. When paired with psychotherapy, this can provide patients with the tools to process underlying psychological issues and break free from debilitating patterns of negative thinking.
KAP offers a holistic approach, combining the physiological benefits of ketamine with the therapeutic power of talk therapy to address both the mind and body in the healing process.
At The Pain Clinic, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) follows a comprehensive protocol to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Initially, the medical director conducts a thorough assessment, which includes any necessary investigations. Our psychiatrist then evaluates the patient’s mental health history and current status, ensuring they are suited for the treatment. The psychotherapist plays a key role in assessing the patient’s readiness and providing ongoing guidance throughout the process.
Before starting a session, the patient’s vital signs are thoroughly checked to ensure they are stable. This includes assessing heart function, lung health, and blood pressure. A resting ECG is also conducted to provide a baseline of the patient’s heart activity.
During the procedure, the patient is continuously monitored to ensure their safety. Key indicators such as blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are tracked throughout the session. Our anaesthetist remains present at all times, providing expert supervision and being fully equipped to address any concerns or emergencies that may arise. This ensures that the patient is not only receiving optimal care but also that the procedure remains safe and comfortable.
The ketamine is administered intravenously through a syringe driver, allowing for a precise, controlled delivery over a 30-40 minute period. This method helps to maintain a steady dose, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects. The clinic’s comprehensive approach to monitoring and supervision ensures that patients receive a high level of care during their infusion, helping to improve the outcome of the treatment.
The psychotherapist is actively involved from the moment the patient wakes up, supporting them through the early stages of integration. Regular psychotherapy sessions continue to help process and integrate the ketamine experience. Initially, 2-3 infusions are recommended, though some patients show improvement after just one, while others may require up to six sessions over a span of 2-3 weeks.
Upon completing the treatment, the psychiatrist reviews the patient’s progress and collaborates with them to establish a long-term management plan that includes regular follow-ups. As the patient begins to improve, the psychiatrist may gradually reduce the pharmaceutical medication, prescribing the minimum necessary dosage
The Pain Clinic KAP Protocol :
– Initial consultation at The Pain Clinic with Dr Andrew Agius, including a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, blood tests, and screening for any contraindications.
– Initial consultation with Dr Peter Muscat, psychiatrist, for assessment and prescription of ketamine, along with medication adjustments.
– Initial consultation with Martin Cassar, psychotherapist, to explore the patient’s intentions and prepare them for treatment.
– Intravenous ketamine infusion administered by Dr Christopher Gauci, anaesthetist, with personalized dosing and continuous monitoring.
– Integration session with Martin Cassar immediately following the ketamine infusion to maximize treatment benefits.
The patient may require additional psychotherapy sessions before and after the infusion to fully integrate the experience and optimize outcomes.
Ketamine Infusions: Pricing
Initial assessment (Dr Andrew Agius): €80
includes pre-op physical examination, ECG, blood tests and consent
Psychiatrist Consultation (Dr Peter Muscat): €70
Psychotherapist Consultation (Martin Cassar): €60
Ketamine session (€300), includes:
1) 40-minute ketamine infusion via pump by anaesthetist Dr Christopher Gauci
2) Continuous monitoring of parameters by anaesthetist
3) Disposable headphone covers and eye shades
4) Follow-up by Dr Andrew Agius to discuss progress and integration
