Short Wave What If You Took The "Trip" Out Of Ketamine?
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Apr 8, 2025 
In this fascinating discussion, Rachel Carlson, a producer at NPR known for her series on psychedelics, dives into the cutting-edge research on ketamine. She explores the possibility of achieving therapeutic benefits without the psychedelic experience. A notable study involving anesthesia raises questions about the interplay of drug effects and psychological context. The conversation highlights personal testimonials and the role of the placebo effect, setting the stage for innovations in mental health treatments.
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Challenging the "Trip"
- Dr. Boris Heifetz, an anesthesiologist, questions the necessity of the "trip" associated with psychedelics like ketamine.
- He conducted a study to explore the effects of ketamine under anesthesia, eliminating the subjective experience.
Cindy's Experience with Ketamine
- Cindy Dahlman, a participant in the ketamine study, suffered from long-term depression.
- After receiving ketamine (unbeknownst to her), she experienced a noticeable improvement in her mood and overall well-being.
Placebo's Surprising Impact
- The placebo group in the ketamine study showed similar improvements to the ketamine group, challenging the drug's perceived effectiveness.
- This highlighted the potential impact of placebo and other non-drug factors.