Ketamine for anxiety: a simple guide to new findings
Anxiety disorders are increasingly prevalent and often respond poorly to standard treatments such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines. Growing evidence suggests ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may offer rapid relief, particularly in treatment-resistant anxiety. By modulating glutamate via NMDA and AMPA receptors, ketamine enhances neuroplasticity and may reduce pathological worry within hours or days. Clinical trials show benefits in social and generalized anxiety, and real-world studies report sustained symptom reduction and decreased suicidal ideation. When combined with psychotherapy and integration, ketamine may help consolidate meaningful and lasting change.
Microdosing psychedelics: potential benefits and current evidence
Microdosing psychedelics involves taking sub-perceptual doses of substances such as psilocybin or LSD with the aim of improving mood, cognition and emotional wellbeing. This article reviews current scientific evidence on microdosing, including proposed neurobiological mechanisms, potential benefits for depression and anxiety, cognitive and motivational effects, safety considerations and the role of placebo. While observational studies suggest possible benefits, controlled trials show mixed results, highlighting important limitations and the need for further rigorous research before clear clinical recommendations can be made.