by Keith G. Rasmussen
Few substances are as enigmatic as
ketamine. Is it a particularly effective anesthetic, a psychiatric
tool, a path to transcendence and spiritual enlightenment, or a
dangerously addictive drug? Opinions abound, reflecting the diverse
experiences of those who encounter it.
As
ketamine's psychiatric applications expand, however, it's vital for
clinicians and patients to move past misconceptions and more fully
understand its history, uses, effects, and future potential. Ketamine:
The Story of Modern Psychiatry's Most Fascinating Molecule is a
meticulously researched, engagingly written exploration of ketamine's
evolution.
From its roots as a PCP
alternative, to its widespread use as a recreational drug, to its role
as a therapeutic agent, this book explores ketamine's history, its
complex pharmacology, and its use in treating schizophrenia, chronic
pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Far
from being simply a dry chronicle, this is an engaging, revealing, and
comprehensive exploration of a substance of tremendous consequence to
psychiatry and neurology.
