Ketamine and Neurofeedback

Ketamine is a well-researched anesthetic used in medicine for anesthesia and pain management. It acts in the brain via the glutamate system and antagonizes the NMDA receptor. Ketamine has already proven effective in psychiatry and is used, among other things, in the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, thereby enabling the adaptation and restructuring of synaptic and neuronal circuits. This can loosen old thought and behavior patterns and integrate and promote new psychotherapeutic learning processes, which could be beneficial in the treatment of addiction. Further studies suggest that ketamine influences the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain's reward system, which could in turn reduce cravings and the symptoms of alcohol use disorder. However, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of addiction.

During the medication intake and session, participants will be closely monitored by our study physicians.

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive method of neuromodulation in which participants receive visual and auditory feedback about their current brain activity. Participants can learn how to self-regulate their brain activity and thereby achieve changes in function and behavior. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they would learn to regulate their brain activity with mental strategies, particularly in relation to alcohol-related stimuli. Especially in cases of addiction, which is often accompanied by strong cravings, this training could reduce the intensity of these cravings and help participants manage them. Studies have already shown effective results in the treatment of nicotine addiction.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established imaging modality that uses an electromagnetic field to examine and visualize anatomical structures. Unlike X-ray and CT scans, it does not use X-rays. In adults, there is no evidence that MRI scans have a negative impact on health.

The combination of these two treatment approaches is particularly interesting because it allows researchers to investigate the synergy between ketamine-induced neuroplasticity and the self-regulation techniques of neurofeedback. In theory, it would make sense for these treatment approaches to complement and enhance each other. This has not yet been clinically investigated and must first be demonstrated through studies.