Ketamine is a drug that is primarily used by hospitals as an anesthetic and a pain reliever. Recent studies have proven that it is also a highly effective treatment for those suffering from depression.

Ketamine interacts with the brain in a unique way that allows neuroscientists to study everything from exhaustion to suicidal thoughts. When testing this drug on patients suffering from depression, scientists were surprised to find out how fast their suicidal thoughts disappeared. The majority felt relief in a matter of hours, which contrasts greatly from standard antidepressants that often take weeks to have any effect on the patients.

However, this drug also comes with many problems. Ketamine depression treatments are very expensive and are not covered by insurance because depression treatment is an “off label” use of the drug. It is also popularly abused as a club and date rape drug because it causes hallucinations, temporary paralysis, and feelings of detachment.

While these study results confirm the significant benefits of this drug, there is still work to be done to better understand its potential. In the right hands, ketamine has the ability to change the health industry and save the lives of millions that suffer from depression.

<Seonyoung Whang Walnut HS 11th Grade>