The Role of Ketamine in Treating Anxiety Disorders

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry

At the Ketamine Therapy Center, we are committed to providing innovative treatments for individuals struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. One such treatment is ketamine infusion therapy, recognized for its rapid and effective relief of symptoms, especially in cases where traditional antidepressants have not been successful.

For people living with anxiety, it can feel like your mind is constantly racing or stuck in a loop of worry and fear. Traditional medications like antidepressants can help, but they often take weeks to work—and sometimes, they don’t work at all. That’s where ketamine comes in. Unlike typical anxiety medications, ketamine works quickly—often within hours—and can help “reset” the brain’s stress response. It’s thought to help build new neural connections, which may improve your ability to manage anxious thoughts and emotions. Many people who try ketamine therapy report feeling a sense of calm and clarity they haven’t experienced in a long time.

Understanding Ketamine's Role in Anxiety Treatment

Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Recent studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating various anxiety disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed ketamine's effectiveness in treating refractory anxiety spectrum disorders. The analysis included six acute RCTs—two in SAD, three in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and one in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Four of these studies reported significant improvements in anxiety ratings among ketamine-treated participants compared to controls. Notably, ketamine was associated with a higher likelihood of treatment response in SAD, with an odds ratio of 28.94.

• Time-Dependent Anxiolytic Effects: A 2023 transdiagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis investigated ketamine's anxiolytic effects across various clinical settings. The study found that ketamine significantly reduced anxiety scores at acute (<12 hours), subacute (24 hours), and sustained (7–14 days) time points. Improvements in anxiety symptoms were correlated with reductions in depression symptoms, suggesting a broader therapeutic effect.

The Ketamine Therapy Experience at Our Center

At the  Ketamine Therapy Center, we offer personalized ketamine therapy tailored to each patient's needs. Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine suitability for ketamine treatment. Treatment sessions are conducted in a comfortable, controlled environment, with continuous monitoring by our experienced medical staff to ensure safety and efficacy. Patients typically receive a series of infusions, with the number and frequency determined based on individual treatment plans.

Safety and Considerations

While ketamine therapy offers promising benefits, it is essential to consider potential side effects, which may include nausea, dizziness, or dissociative experiences. Our medical team conducts thorough assessments to identify any contraindications, ensuring that ketamine therapy is a safe option for each patient. It's important to note that ketamine is not recommended for individuals with certain conditions, such as unmanaged high blood pressure or a substance use disorder.

Note: Ketamine therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is suitable for your specific situation.

Integrating Ketamine Therapy into Comprehensive Care

Ketamine therapy is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment

plan. At our center, we combine ketamine infusions with other therapeutic modalities, such as psychotherapy and medication management, to address the multifaceted nature of anxiety disorders. This holistic approach aims to provide sustained relief and improve overall quality of life.

Seek Support

The Ketamine Therapy Center in Los Angeles offers ketamine therapy in the forms of IV, IM, and Spravato; we work with highly trained nurses, doctors, and therapists to deliver the best care possible.

​Psychiatrists and therapists who work with us specialize in ketamine therapy, ensuring treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to each patient's needs. We adhere to the highest medical standards, providing a supportive environment throughout your treatment journey.​

If you're considering ketamine therapy or have questions about our services, reach out to us at 310-601-9999 or visit our website for more information. Our team is here to support you on your path to healing.

References

Abdallah, C. G., Averill, L. A., Krystal, J. H. (2021). Ketamine treatment and anxiety spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 11, 20451253211056743. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253211056743

Glue, P., Gulati, A., Le Nedelec, M., Duffull, S. (2023). Ketamine’s anxiolytic effects: A transdiagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 37(5), 442–457. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811231158038

Feder, A., Costi, S., Rutter, S. B., Collins, A. B., Govindarajulu, U., Jha, M. K., ... & Charney, D. S. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of repeated ketamine administration for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(2), 193-202. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050596

Taylor, J. H., Landeros-Weisenberger, A., Coughlin, C., Mulqueen, J., Johnson, J. A., Gabriel, D., ... & Sanacora, G. (2018). Ketamine for social anxiety disorder: A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(2), 325–333. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.194