Glossary

Ketamine Therapy Glossary

A working vocabulary for ketamine therapy - mechanisms, treatments, clinical terms, and concepts referenced throughout Ketalux.

Written by: Ira ZootMedically reviewed by: Ketalux Clinical Review PanelLast updated: June 4, 2026Evidence: Educational reference

A

AMPA receptor: A glutamate receptor implicated in ketamine's downstream effects.
Amygdala: A limbic structure central to fear and threat processing.

B

BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor - a growth factor for neurons.
Bioavailability: The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation.

C

CADSS: Clinician-administered dissociative-states scale.

D

Default mode network (DMN): A brain network active during self-referential thought.
Dissociation: A temporary altered sense of self, body, or surroundings.

E

Ego dissolution: A reduction in the felt sense of a bounded self.
Esketamine (Spravato): FDA-approved S-enantiomer of ketamine, delivered intranasally.

G

GABA: The brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
GAD-7: A widely used self-report anxiety screening tool.
Glutamate: The brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter.

H

Harm reduction: A clinical framework prioritizing safety over abstinence goals.
Hippocampus: A limbic structure central to memory and stress regulation.
Hydroxynorketamine (HNK): A ketamine metabolite with antidepressant activity in preclinical models.

I

In-clinic monitoring: Vital-sign and dissociation monitoring during and after dosing.
Induction series: The initial cluster of ketamine sessions used to establish response.
Informed consent: Documented understanding of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Integration: The work of translating session experiences into ongoing change.

K

K-hole: A colloquial term for deep dissociation at high recreational doses.
Ketamine for chronic pain: Sub-anesthetic infusions used for neuropathic and complex pain syndromes.
Ketamine metabolism: The liver pathways that clear ketamine from the body.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP): Ketamine dosing paired with structured therapy.

M

MADRS: Clinician-rated depression severity scale.
Maintenance dosing: Ongoing periodic sessions after an induction series.
mTOR pathway: A protein-kinase signaling pathway central to ketamine-induced plasticity.

N

Neuroplasticity: The brain's capacity to reorganize structure and function.
NMDA receptor: A glutamate receptor central to ketamine's mechanism of action.

O

Off-label use: FDA-approved medications used for non-approved indications.

P

PCL-5: A self-report PTSD screening tool.
PHQ-9: A widely used self-report depression screening tool.
Prefrontal cortex (PFC): The brain region most consistently implicated in ketamine's antidepressant action.
Preparation: The intentional work done before a ketamine session.

R

Racemic ketamine: The 50/50 mixture of R- and S-ketamine used off-label in most clinics.
REMS: FDA risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program.
Response vs. remission: Two distinct clinical endpoints in depression treatment.
Routes of administration: How ketamine is delivered: IV, IM, intranasal, sublingual, oral.

S

Set and setting: Internal state and external environment surrounding a session.
SSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - a class of antidepressants.
Synaptogenesis: The formation of new synaptic connections.

T

TMS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation - non-invasive brain stimulation.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD): Depression that has not responded adequately to standard treatments.
TrkB receptor: The primary receptor for BDNF signaling.

W

Wavepaths: Generative music platform designed for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.