Short Wave
What If You Took The "Trip" Out Of Ketamine?
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.
12:10
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Boris Heifetz's research aims to separate ketamine's therapeutic effects from the psychedelic experience by administering it under anesthesia.
- The study highlights the significance of patient care and environment, revealing that a notable placebo effect can influence improvement in mental health.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Studying Psychedelics
Research on psychedelics and drugs like ketamine faces significant challenges related to understanding their effects on mental health. Factors such as patient expectations, the experience of the trip, and the pharmacological action of the drug itself complicate the assessment of their efficacy. For example, a study by Dr. Boris Heifetz at Stanford aimed to dissect these elements by administering ketamine while patients were under anesthesia, minimizing their awareness of the drug. This approach sought to clarify whether the therapeutic effects arose from the drug itself or from other contextual and psychological factors.
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