a new hope for those with childhood trauma

By: Jadon Webb, M.D., Ph.D.

Treating depression can be particularly difficult for people who have had traumatic things happen to them in the past . A history of childhood trauma can make symptoms of anxiety, depression, and Post traumatic stress (PTSD) harder to treat and more medication-resistant.  This has been a source of continual pain and frustration at clinics across the country trying to help.

An incredible new study published in 2021 found that ketamine treatment of depression was very effective for people who had suffered childhood trauma. In fact, there is some evidence that ketamine might be even more effective at treating adult depression if an individual had suffered childhood trauma. This is similar to findings from a 2019 study, and is completely unlike any other treatments for depression which generally don't work as well for those who have suffered trauma.

This study offers great hope for those who carry around ancient wounds and continue to feel sad and hopeless.  We also know that ketamine can be very effective at treating PTSD symptoms that can come from trauma, making it an even better choice for some people suffering from PTSD who are also depressed.

We are eager to see this work replicated from other research groups. If the finding continues to hold, this is a game changer for those with trauma in their past.