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Ketamine: Benefits and Risks for Depression, PTSD & Neuroplasticity

Huberman Lab

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The Effects of Ketamine on the Brain's Reward Pathway

Taking ketamine reduces the inhibitory input from the habenula to the reward pathway, making the reward pathway more available for engagement through daily life activities./nThe changes in neural circuits caused by ketamine need to be reinforced by specific behaviors to have a meaningful impact./nEngaging in pro-depressive behaviors while taking ketamine may limit the relief from depression./nIn contrast, engaging in adaptive behaviors such as seeking stimulating work, social engagement, and taking care of mental and physical health can enhance the effects of ketamine./nA drug that causes plasticity in neural circuits biases the probability of engagement by certain activities, but one still has to actively engage in those activities./nElevations in mood and increased physical activity often lead to engagement in adaptive behaviors./nDiscussion of neural circuit changes in response to ketamine is ultimately a discussion of how these changes further impact the overall system through daily activities, ultimately bolstering mental health./nA drug typically does not provide instant and complete relief for clinical challenges.

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