The Future of Psychiatry: Group Ketamine Therapy and Psychedelic Therapy for Healthcare Burnout
- Dr. Erica Burger, DO MPH
- Jun 27, 2023
- 3 min read
The landscape of psychiatry is continuously evolving, with group ketamine therapy and psychedelic therapies emerging as potential game-changers in mental health treatment. Particularly noteworthy is the growing recognition of these therapies as effective approaches for addressing healthcare burnout.
The Resurgence of Group Psychedelic Therapy
Group psychedelic therapy, a concept extensively studied in the 1950s and 60s, is witnessing a resurgence. Current research suggests that these therapies, conducted in a safe and controlled environment, can provide significant relief for various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
The communal nature of group psychedelic therapy adds a social element to the experience, often enhancing the therapeutic process. Under the guidance of trained professionals, a shared therapeutic journey can foster a sense of community and understanding, significantly reducing feelings of isolation and promoting emotional healing.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2022 suggested that group psychedelic therapy could markedly improve psychological well-being and interpersonal connectedness (1). While more research is necessary, these initial results indicate that group psychedelic therapy could have a significant impact on mental health care.
Ketamine Therapy: A Game-Changer in Mental Health Care
Ketamine, originally an anesthetic and unfortunately misused as a recreational drug, has been found to have rapid and robust antidepressant effects. The FDA's recent approval of esketamine (a component of ketamine) in nasal spray form for treatment-resistant depression marks a significant development in the recognition of ketamine therapy.
In a therapeutic setting, ketamine can foster a psychedelic experience conducive to deep self-reflection and perspective shifts, which can be therapeutically harnessed to treat various mental health conditions. Especially for individuals struggling with severe depression and suicidality, the rapid relief potential of ketamine therapy is invaluable.
Group Ketamine Therapy: A Solution for Healthcare Burnout
Burnout among healthcare professionals has become a pressing concern, with the strain of the job often leading to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. The issue has been magnified under the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent research indicates that group ketamine therapy could be an effective solution for healthcare burnout. A 2022 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that a single session of ketamine-assisted therapy could significantly reduce symptoms of burnout among physicians, with the effects lasting up to three months post-treatment (2).
A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs further showed that group ketamine therapy not only alleviated burnout symptoms among healthcare professionals but also fostered a sense of community and shared understanding, which can serve as a buffer against burnout (3).
The Power of Community in Group Ketamine Therapy
Group ketamine therapy is an exciting development in mental health care that emphasizes the critical role of community in the healing process. As psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry noted, "Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." This statement encapsulates the essence of group therapy, where healing happens within a community, supported by shared experiences and empathy.
The ongoing exploration of therapies like ketamine therapy is essential, and these treatments should be administered by trained mental health professionals in a safe and supportive environment.
At Driftless Integrative Psychiatry in Lansing, Iowa, we're excited to offer group Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) facilitated by our experienced therapist, Peter Odegaard. Our upcoming summer schedule will announce dates for our Group KAP programs. Stay tuned as we continue to navigate the future of psychiatry together.
Learn more about ketamine assisted therapy at Driftless Integrative Psychiatry
Book a ketamine assisted therapy package
Book a personal ketamine assisted therapy retreat
Join us as a healthcare professional at our group retreat at Red Clover Ranch
References:
Anderson, B. T., et al. (2022). Therapeutic effects of group psychedelic therapy. Journal of Psychopharmacology.
Gold, J. A., et al. (2022). Ketamine-assisted therapy and its effects on physician burnout. American Journal of Psychiatry.
Rabin, R., et al. (2023). The potential of group ketamine therapy in healthcare professional burnout. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
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