Dr. Johnathan Edwards joins to discuss the potential of ketamine treatment for mental health conditions, especially in adolescent patients. Dr. Edwards is a board-certified anesthesiologist and the author of several books. One of his key focuses is treating mental health conditions with ketamine. He has provided ketamine in his practice for many years, along with psychiatrist Dr. Sam Zand.

In this conversation, Dr. Edwards shares the current state of research exploring many studies about ketamine for mental illness. This topic is especially relevant to the mental health crisis and the increase in teen suicide. He emphasizes that pediatricians, psychiatrists, family doctors, anesthesiologists and others need to collaborate.

Dr. Edwards has written a book titled Suicide, COVID-19, and Suicide, COVID-19, and Ketamine – How a Little-Known Drug Saves Lives. His latest book, soon to be published, is called The Revolutionary Ketamine, which Skyhorse Publishing will soon release. His books can be found on Amazon as well as at www.johnathanedwardsmd.com.

Episode Highlights

• Ketamine is gaining wide attention as a treatment for mental health issues
• Ketamine has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents and can be administered for suicide prevention, depression and addiction
• Lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted mental health, particularly among the youth
• Dr. Edwards argues that free speech is necessary for good medicine
• Ketamine could become the first-line drug for suicidal patients in emergency rooms
• Changing an adolescent's environment and seeking therapy can be effective in helping them overcome depression and suicidal ideation
• In an ideal world, ketamine treatment would be funded and administered by therapists who understand the power of psychedelics
• Ketamine can induce mystical experiences
• Dr. Edwards believes that psychedelics can have a profound effect on healing trauma
• Proper therapy and support are crucial alongside psychedelic treatment
• Dr. Edwards also cites case reports of abnormal suicide rates in school districts across the US

Dr. Edward’s Website 

• https://www.johnathanedwardsmd.com

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Book - Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More by Christopher M. Palmer MD