This podcast episode discusses a study investigating ketamine’s effects on brain activity in individuals with depression. The study used EEGs to observe changes in brainwave patterns, including a shift towards faster waves and alterations in fractal patterns, potentially explaining ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects. Researchers also explored the correlation between dissociative experiences and these brainwave changes, finding weak connections requiring further study. The episode emphasizes the need for more research to understand ketamine’s long-term effects and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Ultimately, the discussion highlights ketamine’s potential to reshape our understanding of depression treatment by focusing on neuroplasticity and individual brain responses.

The study in this episode is:

Agnorelli, C., Cinti, A., Barillà, G., Lomi, F., Scoccia, A., Benelli, A., et al. (2025). Neurophysiological correlates of ketamine-induced dissociative state in bipolar disorder: insights from real-world clinical settings. Molecular Psychiatry, 30(1), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-02889-2