Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• No evidence-based guidelines exist for treating antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
• Treatment for ASPD typically addresses comorbid conditions.
• Limited research exists on psychedelic therapies for ASPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the use of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a patient with comorbid antisocial personality disorder, alcoholism, and depression.
• To explore the potential efficacy of KAP in managing ASPD traits.

Main Methods:

• A 43-year-old male patient received psycholytic-dose ketamine therapy sessions over three years.
• Integrative approaches were used alongside ketamine therapy.
• The patient was undergoing KAP for alcoholism and depression.

Main Results:

• Significant resolution of severe alcoholism was observed.
• Reductions in violent ideation and depressive symptoms were reported.
• Clinical improvements in depression, alcohol abuse, and ASPD traits were noted with KAP.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, with specific precautions, may lead to clinical improvements in individuals with comorbid ASPD, depression, and alcohol abuse.
• This case report suggests KAP as a potential therapeutic avenue for ASPD traits.
• Further research is warranted to explore psychedelic-assisted therapies for ASPD.