Mindbloom launches “first-of-its-kind” ketamine therapy for people with PTSD

19 Jun 2024 --- US-based Mindbloom, a provider of psychedelic medicine, designed the ketamine therapy with the preparation, integration and in-session content of a leading trauma therapist for people recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the company, this condition affects 13 million people in the US each year.

The program uses therapy protocols featuring ketamine psychedelics that have recently demonstrated effectiveness and safety in the most extensive peer-reviewed study “in the history of ketamine therapy and psychedelic medicine.” 

This study reviewed data from 11,441 Mindbloom clients, 62% of whom reported clinically significant improvements in depression or anxiety, while 28% achieved remission. 

“This program is designed for people who have experienced traumatic events of various kinds and, just like me, are hoping to live full, safe and happy lives,” comments Shari Botwin, trauma therapist and survivor of PTSD who provides in-session content for the new therapy. 

“While no one walks away from trauma feeling the same thing, I hope to share insights, tools and practices that cover the broad spectrum of unmanageable and horrific life experiences to help survivors heal.”

The new program includes six ketamine therapy sessions, content provided by Botwin and one-on-one coaching with Mindbloom guides. 

New generation treatments 
Although PTSD is a leading cause of disability in the US, Mindbloom underscores that the FDA has not approved any new treatments in 25 years. 

Research indicates that nutrition plays a significant role in mental health. For example, a higher dose of vitamin D is linked to lower suicide attempts in US veterans and nutrition insecurity is associated with mental health decline. 

Meanwhile, psychedelic drugs to treat mental health conditions are gaining popularity. Last year, the FDA issued guidance supporting the development of psychedelic-based treatments, such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the empathogen methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). 

The review of Mindbloom’s at-home ketamine therapy found that 62% of participants reported clinically significant improvements.“Seventeen veterans die from suicide every day because last-generation treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy aren’t working,” says Dylan Beynon, CEO and founder of Mindbloom. 

“Congress and the VA (Veterans Affairs) are taking steps to support psychedelic medicine, but with FDA approval of MDMA therapy in question, Mindbloom is ensuring that trauma survivors don’t have to wait for treatment that could save their lives.”

Researchers also suggest that psilocybin is a more effective treatment for symptoms of depression than controls, though they call for more real-world research. 

At-home ketamine therapy 
The recent review of Mindbloom’s at-home ketamine therapy, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found significant symptom improvements after only four sessions, with fewer than 5% of the 11,441 participants reporting adverse effects. 

Moreover, 84% of participants who experienced significant improvements in the initial treatment round maintained improvements or recovered in the second round. 

Mindbloom notes that its at-home ketamine therapy, supported by coaching, therapeutic content and group integration, overcomes barriers such as cost, provider availability and stigma that may prevent people from receiving mental health care. 

“Millions of US citizens are suffering from mental illness and haven’t been helped by traditional treatments,” says Dr. Leonardo Vando, medical director at Mindbloom and co-author of the study. 

“This study confirms that at-home ketamine therapy can be an effective and fast-acting treatment for depression and anxiety, and shows why psychedelic therapy is going to be a first-line treatment in the next few years.”

By Jolanda van Hal