Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Research shows that ketamine affects the NMDA receptors that are responsible for glutamate activity in your brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that signals cells in your brain to perform specific activities.

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In relation to OCD, glutamate affects areas of the prefrontal cortex in your brain where your learning and thinking centers are located. These centers control your thoughts and related behaviors.

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By reducing glutamate activity in this area, ketamine can induce what is called “extinction learning.” Extinction therapy aims to stop certain behaviors or thoughts from occurring, basically making them go “extinct.”