Multiple vs Single Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KPT) for Heroin Dependence: Evaluator-Blind RCT (Krupitsky, St Petersburg Russia 2007)
Evaluator-blind randomised clinical study of multiple vs single ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KPT) sessions for heroin dependence conducted post-inpatient detoxification (J Psychoactive Drugs 2007 Mar; Krupitsky EM, Burakov AM, Dunaevsky IV, Romanova TN, Slavina TY, Grinenko AY; St Petersburg, Russia; PMID 17523581; DOI 10.1080/02791072.2007.10399860). n=59 heroin-dependent adults (aged 18–35, dependent ≥1 year, ≥2 weeks abstinent); all received an initial IM ketamine session (2.0 mg/kg, psychedelic dose) during hospitalisation, plus 5 h preparatory and 5 h post-session psychotherapy (existentially oriented). After the first session, randomised to: multiple KPT (2 additional monthly KPT sessions + 1 h pre/post counselling each) vs single KPT (no further KPT, monthly counselling only). Primary outcome: abstinence from heroin over 12 months (Kaplan-Meier survival). Secondary outcomes: VASC (craving), ZDS (depression), SAS (anxiety), PLT (purpose in life); assessed monthly. Clinical evaluators blind to group assignment. No registration (pre-registration era, Russia 2007). CT.gov: 0 hits.
Study Arms & Interventions
Multiple KPT group
experimentalThree ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KPT) sessions with one-month intervals, plus addiction counseling sessions before the second and third KPT sessions.
Interventions
- Ketamine2 mg/kgvia IM• three sessions at monthly intervals• 3 doses total
Sessions were 1.5 to 2 hours long; accompanied by psychotherapy.
Single KPT group
experimentalOne ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KPT) session followed by two addiction counseling sessions at one-month intervals.
Interventions
- Ketamine2 mg/kgvia IM• single dose• 1 doses total
Session was 1.5 to 2 hours long; accompanied by psychotherapy.
Primary Results(1 publication)
Participants
Adverse Events (from all publications)
| Arm / Group | n | Any TEAE | Severe | Serious | Discont. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple KPT groupexperimental | 26 | 26(100.0%) | 0(0.0%) | 0(0.0%) | — |
| Single KPT groupexperimental | 27 | 27(100.0%) | 0(0.0%) | 0(0.0%) | — |
* The only side effect noted in all participants was an acute increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 20% to 30% during the ketamine psychotherapy session. No complications such as protracted psychosis or flashbacks were reported, and no participant became addicted to ketamine.