New insight into how ketamine works to relieve depression

A new study helps explain how ketamine works in the brain to improve mood disorders. Improved brain circuit function occurs within 3 hours of an infusion which they believe accounts for the immediate mood elevation experienced. 12 to 24 hours following an infusion there is increased spine growth. Spines play a key role because they form synapses if they survive for more than a few days. This suggests that the formation of new synapses is a consequence, rather than cause, of improved circuit function and contributes to sustaining ketamine’s antidepressant effects.

Read full article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/behind-the-buzz-how-ketamine-changes-the-depressed-patients-brain/?utm_source=pocket-newtab