Ketamine Studies have shown:
In another 2022 review, researchers found that single-dose ketamine infusions reduced panic, irritability, and other anxiety symptoms in people with GAD and social anxiety disorder. Higher doses of ketamine were more effective than lower doses, and the anxiety-reducing effects lasted up to 2 weeks.
A small 2017 study found 83% of participants with GAD and social anxiety disorder reported reduced anxiety symptoms within just 1 hour of receiving subcutaneous (under the skin) ketamine treatments.
In another small 2013 study, hospice residents with depression and anxiety took oral ketamine for 28 days. All eight participants who completed the trial reported having reduced anxiety symptoms.
In a small 2017 study of people with social anxiety, participants received IV infusions containing either saline (a placebo) or ketamine. Those who received a ketamine infusion reported much greater improvements in their symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.
However, it’s worth noting the majority of participants could tell when they received the ketamine versus the placebo. This compromised the blinding of the study, meaning participants may have been biased when reporting results.
A small 2017 study found 83% of participants with GAD and social anxiety disorder reported reduced anxiety symptoms within just 1 hour of receiving subcutaneous (under the skin) ketamine treatments.
In another small 2013 study, hospice residents with depression and anxiety took oral ketamine for 28 days. All eight participants who completed the trial reported having reduced anxiety symptoms.
In a small 2017 study of people with social anxiety, participants received IV infusions containing either saline (a placebo) or ketamine. Those who received a ketamine infusion reported much greater improvements in their symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.
However, it’s worth noting the majority of participants could tell when they received the ketamine versus the placebo. This compromised the blinding of the study, meaning participants may have been biased when reporting results.
Examples: agoraphobia & OCD
Agoraphobia:
A small 2021 study showed that after participants received subcutaneous (under the skin) ketamine injections, they reported lower ratings of agoraphobia or fear of certain places or situations where one might be unable to escape.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
OCD is an anxiety disorder marked by uncontrollable and obsessive thoughts and behaviors.
A small 2013 study involved 15 participants with OCD who had almost constant obsessive thoughts.
They received two IV infusions at least a week apart. One infusion contained only saline as a placebo. The other included ketamine.
Participants who received ketamine reported a significant improvement regarding obsessive thoughts following the infusion, compared to no improvement after the placebo infusion.
The effects of the ketamine infusion lasted more than a week for some participants.
A small 2021 study showed that after participants received subcutaneous (under the skin) ketamine injections, they reported lower ratings of agoraphobia or fear of certain places or situations where one might be unable to escape.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
OCD is an anxiety disorder marked by uncontrollable and obsessive thoughts and behaviors.
A small 2013 study involved 15 participants with OCD who had almost constant obsessive thoughts.
They received two IV infusions at least a week apart. One infusion contained only saline as a placebo. The other included ketamine.
Participants who received ketamine reported a significant improvement regarding obsessive thoughts following the infusion, compared to no improvement after the placebo infusion.
The effects of the ketamine infusion lasted more than a week for some participants.