As someone with treatment resistant OCD, I am bothered by the fact that ketamine is so effective (and can be readministered in a clinical setting) yet it isn't seen as a viable treatment option for this population and one that should be covered by insurance. The main "problem" with IV/IM ketamine in a clinical setting is that ketamine is a generic drug and so the profit motive is virtually nonexistent for drug companies. They need a new drug that isn't generic that they can make real money from. It's really sad for patients suffering right now who could have dramatically improved lives if in-clinic ketamine use became a standard treatment option for treatment resistant individuals, and covered by insurance so it isn't just for the wealthy.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. The economics and equity angle is something we'd love to come back to in future conversations. Wishing you the best of luck!
@@stanfordbrain Thank you. I would also like to hear an expert panel discussion (or something like that) about whether it is even possible to create drugs that work like ketamine and psilocybin but without the dissociative or psychedelic effects. It sounds great but is it possible to have the same outcomes, or is this approach (and Dr. Rodriguez's embrace of it) driven much more by pharma companies, particularly Biohaven? I am troubled by researchers having such close relationships with pharma companies in general. It really makes me question the warnings about ketamine and promotion of Biohaven's trial, which is unfair with how great of an academic Dr. Rodriguez is, but must be asked whenever such a financial relationship exists.
It's absolutely disgusting. The clinics near me charge $350-500 (not including med cost, which is around $100) PER MONTH just for prescriptions to the nasal spray version. But they're in it to "help" people, right? 😂 👌 I just keep praying Joyous will be available in my state soon. I'm so desperate that I resorted to illicits 🤷♀️
As someone who lives with depression and ocd i wanna try this treatment, My hopelessness is at peak most of the time and suicidal ideations come along with it. ill take anything at this point.
Thanks so much for your comment. I am sorry to hear about your struggle with depression and OCD, and I'm glad this episode offered some hope. Please take care of yourself, stay strong, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you can call 988 to get someone on the phone right away to walk you through those dark moments. In the words of Brad Paisley (by way of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow): "Behind the clouds, the sun is shining Believe me, even though you can't quite make it out." May the clouds part for you soon!
Ive had ketamine for depression and OCD and it didn't have any lasting benefits. My mood felt slightly better after the 4th treatment, but only for a week or two. ERP therapy is much more effective. As far as drug treatments, I think psilocybin has much more promise than ketamine.
