The Science Behind Ketamine and the Treatment of Depression

Welcome to the SHE MD podcast! Today hosts Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney dive into a groundbreaking topic with Dr. Peyman Tashkandi and Anabel González: the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health. From treatment-resistant depression and severe anxiety to postpartum depression, this episode explores how ketamine is reshaping the landscape of mental health treatment.

Dr. Tashkandi breaks down the science behind ketamine’s unique mechanism, which boosts neuroplasticity, reduces inflammation, and balances neurotransmitters to offer life-changing relief for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. Anabel shares her deeply personal story of overcoming postpartum depression and lifelong mental health struggles through a structured ketamine infusion program paired with therapy.

You’ll also hear about the importance of integration therapy, how to identify who is—and isn’t—a good candidate for ketamine, and the need to advocate for innovative mental health solutions. Whether you’re a medical professional, a patient seeking new options, or simply curious about cutting-edge treatments, this episode is packed with insights to transform how we approach mental health. Let’s get started!

DR. PEYMAN TASHKANDI & ANABEL GONZALEZ: TAKEAWAYS:

• Explore Ketamine as a Transformative Option: Ketamine therapy offers rapid relief for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, and postpartum depression. Its unique mechanism of action—boosting neuroplasticity, reducing inflammation, and balancing neurotransmitters like glutamate—makes it life-changing for patients where traditional medications have failed.
• Understand the Science Behind Ketamine's Impact: Ketamine works differently from standard antidepressants by targeting NMDA receptors, increasing glutamate activity and enhancing neuroplasticity. This helps patients break free from patterns of chronic depression or anxiety, offering not just temporary relief but lasting mental health improvements with proper infusion protocols.
• Recognize the Spectrum of Mental Health Needs: Ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is most effective for those with clinical depression, severe anxiety, or debilitating conditions like postpartum depression. Understanding the distinction between everyday stress and clinical symptoms is essential for determining who can benefit from this cutting-edge treatment.
• Pair treatment with integration therapy for maximum impact: Therapy within 72 hours of ketamine infusions enhances the benefits by helping process and integrate experiences. While infusions alone can be effective, combining them with tools like EMDR can lead to profound and lasting emotional breakthroughs.
•  Advocate for awareness and education: Despite its potential, ketamine therapy remains underutilized due to slow guideline changes and resistance from some mental health professionals. Push for greater understanding and open discussions with providers about innovative treatments, especially when conventional methods aren’t meeting your needs.

THIS EPISODE:  

• [4:27] Ketamine for depression and how it works scientifically
• [13:53] Clinical depression and anxiety and Anabel shares her story of depression and her first ketamine infusion
• [22:31] Therapy, the infusion experience and who is not a good candidate
• [31:24] Long-term effects of ketamine treatments and finding the right clinic
• [38:45] Treating a child or adolescent with ketamine and the difference between women's and men’s symptoms

RESOURCES:

Dr. Tashkandi’s Instagram

Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles Website

Dr. Tashkandi’s Private Psychiatry Practice Website

Anabel’s Company, Good Bacteria

Anabel's Instagram