KETAMINE: REVOLUTIONARY NEW DEPRESSION TREATMENT OR PSEUDO-SCIENCE?
Coordinated by Dr Hayley Tomes, science communicator, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town
Wednesday 29 January 9.15 am COURSE FEES R110; Staff and Students R55
This lecture is part of the Neuroscience Institute’s series of five lectures.
Ketamine, originally synthesised in the early 1960s as an anaesthetic, quickly gained prominence for its efficacy and safety profile in human and veterinary medicine. For decades its use was primarily limited to surgical and emergency settings, but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in its potential to treat mental health disorders, particularly depression.
There will be a brief introduction into the latest scientific research on ketamine’s therapeutic potential, focusing on its unique mechanism of action, which differentiates it from traditional antidepressants. Clinical trials and studies demonstrating ketamine’s antidepressant effects, sometimes seen within hours of administration, will be discussed. Since it can be legally prescribed for off-label use, this has led to the establishment of several ketamine depression-treatment programmes locally, but is it being widely used too soon?
The panel discussion will include experts with clinical experience, as well as patients with lived experience. The therapeutic potential as well as the possibility of harm will be explored, with plenty of time for questions from participants.
Health professionals can earn CPD points for this course.
TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/performance.aspx?itemid=1554973178