The Effect of Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy on Treatment-Resistant Mental Health Conditions in Firefighters: A Prospective Observational Case Series.

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>Firefighters display elevated risk for diagnoses of mental health illnesses. Psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise in the treatment of clinically challenging conditions. This observational case series analyzed data from firefighters with mental health diagnoses who participated in a 12-week ketamine-assisted group therapy treatment plan.<h4>Methods</h4>Questionnaire scores (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist -5, Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning ) collected throughout the program were scored and statistically analyzed for changes. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis.<h4>Results</h4>Significant decreases with large effect sizes were detected in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 scores after completion in the 12-week treatment plan, which persisted 6 months later. Participants noted it was beneficial being in a cohort with fellow firefighters.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Statistically and clinically significant improvements to posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety diagnoses were detected in the cohort of firefighters after the Roots to Thrive Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy program, with results retained six months post treatment.

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