Inspiration
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The following quotations are observed in publicly accessible papers and news articles.
Simple computer exercises using positive words and images designed to boost self-worth can prolong the antidepressant effects of ketamine in people with depression.
Highlights from linked sources
Ketamine infusion appeared also to open a clinical window of opportunity, enabling the efficient uptake of positive self-representations to protect against the return of depression.
After priming the brain with ketamine, training positive self-associations could provide an efficient, low- cost, portable, noninvasive, and highly dissemination-ready strategy for leveraging and extending ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects.
If the present results can be replicated, this novel, integrative treatment may provide a method to urgently bring relief and to efficiently extend this relief via safe, low-cost, portable techniques.
We found that after just a single intravenous infusion of ketamine, patients experienced relief from depression symptoms for at least one month as long as they were assigned to the group that completed the digital exercises within the first five days.
The research studied a specific protocol: four days of digital positive-self-association exercises after a single ketamine infusion, with 154 participants. Benefits lasted about three months but faded by one year. We're inspired by the idea — not replicating the study. Our games offer positive self-affirmation in that same spirit. They haven't been tested in a clinical trial, and we don't claim they treat any condition.
Sources & Discussion
- Health News from NPRhttps://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/10/31/1132371480/smiling-faces-might-help-the-drug-ketamine-keep-depression-at-bay
- The American Journal of Psychiatryhttps://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.20220216
- An inspiring discussion on Reddithttps://www.reddit.com/r/TherapeuticKetamine/comments/y1hbn7/computer_game_extends_positive_results_of_one/