Mental health is one of the main public health challenges of the 21st century. To discuss new ways forward on this issue, The Clinic of Change is holding an "in-depth, cross-cutting meeting in Lisbon on September 20 on the clinical benefits and challenges that new therapeutic approaches can bring". This is what we read in the press release introducing the scientific conference entitled "Ketamine Psychotherapy - Clinical Evidence and Brain Mechanisms", an initiative which, between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. (Auditorium of PLMJ Advogados, Lisbon), aims to address ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, an innovative therapy in the field of mental health with a view to treating, among other conditions, depression, anxiety, burnout or exhaustion, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders and various types of addiction, namely alcoholism. It should be noted that ketamine is currently the only psychedelic substance authorized for medical purposes in Portugal.
"Ketamine, used for decades in medical settings and a resource in hospital emergency rooms, creates a state of heightened awareness that, when combined with therapeutic support, counteracts the negative brain processes that bind patients to certain patterns of behavior and thinking, freeing them to process deep emotions and repressed memories, thus achieving effective change. Ketamine increases brain plasticity (flexibility) and connectivity, which means it can help find new perspectives on old problems - it takes the patient into a new cognitive and awareness pattern that facilitates therapeutic intervention," says the team at The Clinic of Change.
On September 20, participants in the conference "Ketamine Psychotherapy - Clinical Evidence and Brain Mechanisms" will have the opportunity to hear from British psychiatrist David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology in the Division of Brain Sciences in the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London.
David Nutt specializes in using brain imaging techniques to understand the causes of addiction and other psychiatric disorders, and is committed to discovering new treatments.
In addition to the presence of the British specialist and researcher, the conference organized by The Clinic of Change, in partnership with ISBE - Institute of Evidence-Based Health and ISPA - University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, will feature a panel debate with leading figures in the field of research, ethics and clinical practice in the field of mental health in Portugal.
In anticipation of David Nutt's presence in Portugal, we asked a few questions of the man who runs the Centre for Psychadelic Research at Imperial College London, which is dedicated to studying the practical and clinical use of psychedelics, particularly with a view to treating depression.
You've been studying the effect of drugs on the human brain for more than five decades. What discovery has fascinated you the most so far?
The fact that psychedelics can "reboot" the brain in the face of disorders such as depression and addiction. The use of psychedelics is the biggest advance in psychiatric therapy in the last 50 years.
Regarding the practical and clinical use of psychedelics, what do we know today in this field that was unknown, for example, ten years ago?
The way psychedelics work on brain circuits and how these changes predict clinical outcomes.
The consumption of psychedelics still causes some social alarm. Is this a prejudiced position?
Yes, they are rarely harmful when used rationally and even low-risk when used clinically.
The purpose of his visit to Portugal is to talk about ketamine. It has been used for decades in medical contexts. Would you like to explain to our readers what it's all about?
Ketamine was developed as a safe anesthetic. Recent research shows that it can also have antidepressant properties and combat different types of addiction, just like other psychedelics such as psilocybin. But ketamine is much easier to use than other psychedelics and is a drug approved by the authorities.
As a specialist, you study the relationship between ketamine and psychotherapy as a form of treatment, for example, for depression and addiction. How did you discover this beneficial relationship for the patient?
By inference from previous work with psilocybin in the field of depression and addictions. Ketamine produces brain changes similar to psilocybin, which allows for more effective psychotherapeutic approaches.
How do you explain the fact that ketamine can help in psychotherapy?
It makes the brain more "flexible" and open to thinking differently about the problems that affect the individual. It also shows effects on neuroplasticity, making it easier to develop new ways of thinking.
What brain mechanisms does ketamine trigger?
It breaks redundant thought loops, which allows patients the opportunity to free themselves from that path.
What behavior does the person being treated with ketamine show?
The individual is introspective and calm.
Are there any risks associated with the administration of ketamine?
Few when administered in medical settings. Only medical problems associated with high blood pressure.
Are all individuals eligible for treatment with ketamine?
Almost all of them. The advantage of ketamine over other psychedelics is that it works even in people who are taking antidepressants. In the case of other psychedelics, its administration must be stopped before treatment.
Can you give us some evidence to support the positive results of using ketamine in psychotherapy?
There have been various studies published on alcohol dependence. They are based on 18 months of clinical experience with various groups, including cases of depression and other disorders.
