Part 5/10:
What makes ketamine so effective is its mechanism of action in the brain. Unlike typical medications that focus on increasing serotonin or dopamine levels, ketamine targets neuronal repair and synaptic connectivity. It facilitates the growth and restoration of neural connections that are often impaired in depression, leading to swift mood improvements. Response rates for ketamine in treatment-resistant depression hover between 50% to 80%, significantly higher than the 10–20% rates seen with other medications.