Dr. John Krystal, a leading expert in psychiatry from Yale, discusses the groundbreaking use of ketamine in treating mental health disorders like depression, PTSD, and alcoholism. He explores its rapid antidepressant effects, the complexities of dosing, and the role of neurotransmitters beyond serotonin. The conversation highlights the evolution of depression treatments, including the influence of lifestyle factors like exercise on mental health. Krystal also addresses the importance of credible resources for ketamine therapy and the potential risks associated with its use.

In this discussion, Dr. John Krystal, a Yale Psychiatry and Neuroscience Professor, and Dr. Gerard Sanacora, Director of the Yale Depression Research Program, dive into ketamine’s evolution from anesthetic to mental health treatment. They unveil its rapid antidepressant effects, mechanisms influencing neuroplasticity, and potential to combat neurodegenerative diseases. The conversation also highlights risks, individual response variability, and the critical need for careful dosing and monitoring in therapeutic settings.