Ketamine treatment What is ketamine? Esketamin is an anesthetic used in our center for oral-sublingual administration, primarily for the treatment of refractory depression. Low doses of ketamine can repair brain neural pathways that have been damaged by psychological problems or chronic pain. The drug has been approved by the European Medicines Agency, but is not yet freely available in Austria. Indications Depression Ketamine can induce physiological changes, and many patients experience significant improvements after 1-2 treatments. However, ketamine is not a "cure" for depression, but requires ongoing maintenance treatment. Combined with psychological support, ketamine treatment can help many patients achieve long-term relief from depression. Neuropathic and chronic pain Chronic pain can last for months or even years, and emotional stress can also exacerbate pain. Studies have shown that ketamine can act on the central nervous system to restart neurotransmitters, directly addressing the root cause of pain, unlike traditional painkillers that simply inhibit pain signals. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Multiple studies have shown that ketamine treatment can quickly and significantly reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, providing patients with a more effective way to recover from trauma. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez of Columbia University in the United States presented a study at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting, proving that ketamine can quickly relieve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and help patients regain control of their lives. Suicidal thoughts Multiple studies have shown that ketamine treatment can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts. Dr. Richard Shelton of the University of Alabama (Birmingham) found that low-dose ketamine can significantly relieve suicidal impulses and severe depressive symptoms within a few hours.