Introduction
Eating disorders like anorexia and binge eating can be tough to treat, and current therapies don’t always work for everyone. In their 2022 study published in Brain Sciences, researchers Ragnhildstveit, Slayton, and colleagues explored whether ketamine, often used to treat depression, could also help people with eating disorders.
Key Points
- Why Ketamine?
- Ketamine has shown success in helping people with severe depression and PTSD. Researchers wondered if it could also help rewire the brain in people struggling with eating disorders.
- What the Study Found:
- Early evidence suggests ketamine may help people with eating disorders by:
- Reducing obsessive thoughts about food and body image.
- Improving emotional regulation.
- Helping the brain reset harmful habits.
- Early evidence suggests ketamine may help people with eating disorders by:
- How It’s Used:
- Ketamine is usually given as an infusion (through an IV). It works quickly, often showing results after just a few treatments.
- What’s Next:
- While the results are promising, researchers agree that more studies are needed to confirm these effects and figure out the best way to use ketamine for eating disorders.
The VitalPoint For Patients
If you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder, new treatments like ketamine may offer hope. While it’s not yet widely available for this purpose, ongoing research is working to change that. Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying new therapies.
For more information on eating disorder treatments, visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).