Veteran's Perceptions of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for Depression and End-of-Life

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how veterans aged 65 and older, who are enrolled in VA healthcare, perceive ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for depression and end-of-life distress. Using a mixed-method design, the study collects both qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and questionnaires to understand participants' attitudes and beliefs about this therapy. Participants will be informed about the study by their VA providers. After enrollment, veterans complete brief demographic forms and three symptom screening questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, the Ten Item Personality Inventory, and the Death Anxiety Questionnaire. They then take part in a recorded interview where they complete a story involving a fictitious veteran facing depression and cancer diagnoses, and considering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Researchers analyze the interview transcripts to identify common themes related to perceptions of this treatment. Throughout the study, participants provide information via questionnaires and interviews, which are recorded and transcribed for analysis. Researchers examine the prevalence of themes and how they relate to symptom severity and demographic factors. The collected data may help improve educational efforts and the implementation of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy within the VA system. The study's main outcome measures are collected at two weeks post-enrollment.

Veteran's Perceptions of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Depression and End-of-Life