Ketamine Therapy for Young People: A Parent’s Perspective

Jacintha was feeling completely overwhelmed. Her daughter was having a tough time, and despite trying everything—from different types of antidepressants to years of talk therapy and intensive outpatient programs—nothing seemed to work.

One night, in a frantic search for answers on Google, she stumbled upon an article discussing ketamine therapy. Although she initially knew ketamine as a tranquilizer for horses, she had never considered it as a potential treatment for her daughter Lucy, who was grappling with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

However, there was a catch: most ketamine patients are typically older, mostly in their 30s or beyond. Lucy was, after all, only 16.

“When you’re desperate, you’re willing to consider almost anything,” Jacintha says, choosing to keep her last name confidential for privacy reasons. “Any parent watching their child suffer like Lucy would feel the same way.”

Ketamine therapy has recently gained traction, and it’s occasionally used for younger individuals. While doctors emphasize its potential life-saving benefits when other treatments fail, there are risks, such as dependence when not managed correctly. Still, many families view this controversial treatment as a preferable alternative to their current struggles.

Dozens of users share their experiences on platforms like Reddit, but many are hesitant to speak publicly due to fear of stigma.

“The harm caused by severe, treatment-resistant depression during formative years is far worse than the occasional risks associated with low-dose ketamine,” says John Krystal, Chair of Psychiatry at Yale. Yet, he notes that more research is needed on the implications of ketamine therapy for young adults, advising that it should only be a last resort.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy

A few months later, Jacintha and Lucy arrived at the Northwest Ketamine Clinic in Bellevue, Washington, ready to begin a series of 12 infusion sessions. The doctors explained how the therapy would function: the ketamine would attach to brain receptors, altering the connection between the brain and body, potentially creating an out-of-body sensation where Lucy might feel disconnected from reality.

During that initial session, Jacintha held Lucy’s hand, her heart a mix of hope and caution. Initially, things took a downward turn, with Lucy experiencing mood swings and bouts of anger. However, after the seventh session, there seemed to be a marked improvement.

The therapy made it easier for her to handle her self-harm tendencies and the obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Before this treatment, she was often paralyzed by anxiety—sounds like coughing or heavy breathing would send her into a panic, pushing her to leave school. At home, she wouldn’t even step into the kitchen, overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos.

After the infusions, Lucy remarked, “I was feeling way better than ever before. It really shifted my mood. I was functioning at a much higher level; depression wasn’t my constant state.”

Though the Northwest Ketamine Clinic doesn’t treat anyone younger than 14, there has been a noticeable increase in interest from parents of teenagers. Krystal explains that ketamine encourages the brain’s resilience mechanisms, which differs from traditional antidepressants. It promotes the release of glutamate, sparking the growth of new connections between brain cells.

“Depression can compromise brain plasticity—its ability to adapt and respond. Even one dose of ketamine can potentially enhance this plasticity, making other treatments more effective,” Krystal adds.

Laura Pickard, at just 23, sought ketamine therapy after battling depression and anxiety since she was 15. Following the death of her father, followed by her mother’s suicide, she returned home to Los Angeles to work with a counselor. She described her recovery as akin to seeing clearly for the first time.

“Before ketamine, even simple tasks felt like climbing mountains due to my depression,” she explains. “After the treatments, I woke up feeling energized and motivated.”

Having completed three maintenance sessions, Pickard credits the therapy with allowing her to resume her education and finish her degree last year.

The Age Debate Surrounding Ketamine Therapy

Back in the 1990s, when Krystal began researching ketamine, it was mostly known as a horse tranquilizer and later by its street name, Special K. Nowadays, it’s gained significant attention, thanks in part to high-profile endorsements. Nevertheless, there are serious concerns after cases such as Matthew Perry, who struggled with substance use while seeking treatment with ketamine.

The short-term side effects of ketamine therapy can include dizziness and nausea, and heavy, long-term use could lead to memory issues and urinary tract infections.

A 2017 study from the Yale Child Study Center found that adolescents aged 13 to 17 often saw a rapid decrease in depressive symptoms within a day following an infusion, with improvements lasting up to two weeks.

“Caution is essential when considering this treatment for younger patients. The developing brain is more susceptible to potential risks,” remarks Dr. Ryan Sultan, a psychiatrist focusing on ketamine treatments.

Lucy doesn’t regret her therapy, yet she admits it felt like a bigger decision than she initially understood. “I sometimes think I might’ve been too young for it. Could I have explored other options instead?” she ponders.

Krystal notes that ketamine is effective only within a specific dosage range; doubling the dose won’t increase benefits, but will heighten the chances of side effects. He has witnessed misuse, with individuals using it excessively, which can worsen their mental health.

Both Lucy and Pickard receive their ketamine therapy intravenously—this method is legal but operates off-label, as no form of ketamine treatment is FDA-approved for minors. While there’s a nasal form, Esketamine, that is FDA-approved, IV administration is more common. Quality can differ significantly among clinics offering these services.

Insurance coverage for IV ketamine therapy is rare, leaving many to foot hefty bills for their sessions.

Krystal warns that using ketamine outside of a clinical setting poses risks for misuse. Most of the ketamine available illegally in the U.S. raises further concerns.

“Teens face a greater risk for addiction, making the accessibility of ketamine at home particularly concerning,” he warns.

Initially, Jacintha was worried about her daughter developing a dependence on the feeling brought by ketamine, and she addressed these concerns with Lucy. “Am I introducing her to a sensation that she might seek in unhealthy ways later?” she worries.

The Realities of Ketamine Therapy

Since April 2023, Lucy has been maintaining her progress with sessions every six months, along with talk therapy and medications.

“My OCD still flares up, depending on stress and mood, but I think having better control over my depression directly impacted my ability to manage the OCD,” Lucy reflects.

Still, Jacintha wishes for more significant changes and has cautioned that this treatment isn’t a miracle fix. “I hoped this would be the breakthrough we were searching for, but it hasn’t turned out that way,” she admits.

Ultimately, both Lucy and Jacintha weighed the risks of ketamine therapy against the immense struggles Lucy faced. Any side effects felt minor compared to the depth of her suffering.

“If people judge me for opting for ketamine for my child, I invite them to experience our reality,” Jacintha expresses. “When your child is in such intense mental pain, hope becomes your only anchor.”