Unveiling the Intriguing Impact of Ketamine on Depression
A Stanford study has found that both ketamine and placebo treatments can reduce depression symptoms in patients, suggesting that positive expectations may play a crucial role in treatment outcomes. The researchers conducted a unique trial where participants with moderate to severe depression were given either ketamine or a placebo during routine surgery while under general anesthesia. Surprisingly, both groups experienced significant improvements in depression symptoms, with scores on the depression rating scale dropping by half just one day after treatment. The researchers believe that positive expectations may be a key factor in ketamine's effectiveness, highlighting the power of psychological factors in treatment. However, they also emphasize that ketamine is not just a placebo and that there may be a physiological mechanism at play. Further research is needed to understand the direct pharmacological effects of ketamine and its potential benefits beyond the placebo effect.
