Replication data for Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR)

Dataset Summary: Results of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ for PTSD: Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy 1. Dataset Description This dataset contains clinical outcome data from a retrospective chart review investigating the effects of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and functional impairment. The intervention combines low-dose sublingual ketamine with standard EMDR trauma memory reprocessing. Data were collected from a private psychotherapy practice in Washington, DC, between June and November 2024. The primary aim was to examine whether incorporating ketamine into EMDR sessions facilitates symptom reduction in PTSD by enhancing memory reconsolidation, reducing hyperarousal, and improving access to traumatic material. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to assess treatment outcomes. 2. Study Population Sample Size: 8 clients Average Age: 41.4 years Gender: 7 Female (87.5%), 1 Male (12.5%) Race/Ethnicity: 6 White (75%), 1 Asian (12.5%), 1 African American (12.5%) Ketamine Experience: None had prior ketamine exposure 3. Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria Inclusion Criteria: Age 18 or older Diagnosed with PTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) Received at least 4 KA-EMDR memory reprocessing sessions Complete clinical records available Exclusion Criteria: Incomplete psychotherapy or medical records Medical contraindications for ketamine (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy) Diagnosed psychotic disorders, mania, dissociative disorders, or active substance use disorders 4. Intervention Protocol Session Structure: 60–75 minutes per session Memory Activation: Conducted prior to ketamine dosing (EMDR Phase 3) Ketamine Administration: Low-dose sublingual troche (37.5–75 mg), "swish and spit" method for mucosal absorption EMDR Reprocessing: Began ~10 minutes after dosing and continued through peak subjective effects (Phases 4–6), followed by Closure (Phase 7) Bilateral Stimulation: Included auditory tones and tactile tapping 5. Outcome Measures Primary Instrument: International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) PTSD symptom severity subscale Functional impairment subscale Timepoints: T0: Baseline, before KA-EMDR sessions T1: After four KA-EMDR reprocessing sessions Additional Data: Post-treatment qualitative responses regarding subjective effects 6. Data Analysis Software Used: SPSS Statistical Tests: Paired-samples t-tests comparing T0 and T1 Effect Size: Hedges' g used to correct for small sample size 7. Results 7.1. Quantitative Findings PTSD Symptom Severity (ITQ): T0: M = 15.50, SD = 2.98 T1: M = 9.88, SD = 4.94 t(7) = 3.21, p < .05; Effect size: g = 1.01 (large) PTSD Functional Impairment (ITQ): T0: M = 8.50, SD = 2.78 T1: M = 5.25, SD = 3.24 t(7) = 2.60, p < .05; Effect size: g = 0.82 (large) 7.2. Qualitative Findings Positive Effects (reported by 7 of 8 participants): Emotional clarity and self-compassion Reduced fear and resistance during trauma processing Enhanced access to memory material Peacefulness, relaxation, and mystical/spiritual experiences Adverse Effects (reported by 7 of 8 participants): Temporary symptoms including wooziness, numbness, fatigue, and unpleasant taste No serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations 8. Conclusions KA-EMDR was associated with significant reductions in both PTSD symptoms and functional impairment, with large effect sizes and minimal adverse effects. Participants reported enhanced emotional access and reduced fear during reprocessing. These findings suggest that KA-EMDR may offer a synergistic approach to treating PTSD, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant trauma. Larger controlled trials are needed to validate and extend these preliminary results. 9. Metadata Study Type: Retrospective clinical chart review Data Collection Period: June – November 2024 Location: Washington, DC, USA File Formats Available: CSV (quantitative), TXT or PDF (qualitative responses) IRB Status: Determined exempt by Sterling IRB (IRB00006133) Keywords: PTSD, EMDR, ketamine, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, trauma therapy, memory reconsolidation