Ketamine's Evolution: From Battlefield to Mental Health Breakthrough
Episode Overview
Ketamine's inception as an anesthetic during the Vietnam War Transition into a popular recreational drug and its impact on club culture FDA approval for depression treatment in 2019 Exploration of sociocultural and political influences on drug use Thought-provoking insights into ketamine's multifaceted journey
The fact that one dose is sufficient to reduce symptoms of depression for several days is quite interesting and does suggest that something changes that could tap into memory systems because clearly like your brain networks are remembering that oh the depression is gone or just changing for two or three days so that's one area of research that's quite active.
Imagine a drug that has journeyed from the chaos of war to the pulse of nightclubs, and now, to the forefront of mental health treatment. In this episode, host Marshall Poe chats with neuropharmacology expert Bita Moghaddam about the fascinating trajectory of ketamine. Originally used as an anesthetic during the Vietnam War, ketamine later became a staple in club culture. Today, it's making headlines as a promising treatment for depression, even gaining FDA approval in 2019.
Moghaddam breaks down the science behind ketamine's effects and its potential as a 'miracle cure'. She also delves into the sociocultural shifts that have influenced its various uses over the decades. Whether you're curious about the history of drugs or seeking insights into innovative mental health treatments, this episode offers a captivating look at ketamine's multifaceted journey.