We understand the use of ketamine as an addition (augmentation) to a well-founded psychotherapy. In augmented psychotherapy, the use of medication thus differs significantly from the classic psychopharmacological approach, which focuses more on the neurobiological antidepressant effect. We see the therapeutic potential of ketamine not only in its direct antidepressant effect but also, among other things, in its mind-altering effect. These altered states of consciousness often make it possible to take a different perspective on oneself and the environment. Working with unconscious content and recognizing and breaking old patterns is possible more often. This can enormously enrich and intensify a psychotherapeutic process. In our practice, ketamine is administered intravenously via a syringe pump (perfusor). The administration of ketamine is always monitored by anesthesiologists. Continuous ECG and oxygen saturation monitoring is performed. With the help of the syringe pump, the anesthesiologists can find the optimal dosage of ketamine for therapeutically valuable altered states of consciousness.
