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Ketamine Therapy for ADHD

ADHD rarely travels alone. For the 50%+ of ADHD patients dealing with co-occurring depression or anxiety, ketamine offers rapid relief where stimulants fall short.

50%+
ADHD Patients with Co-occurring Depression
70%
Ketamine Response Rate (Depression)
4 hrs
Onset of Relief
2019
FDA Breakthrough Designation

ADHD and Depression: The Connection

ADHD rarely exists in isolation. Studies show that more than 50% of adults with ADHD also experience major depression or anxiety disorders — and stimulant medications often don't address those co-occurring conditions. When your Adderall or Vyvanse keeps the focus sharp but does nothing for the crushing low mood or anxiety spirals, that's where ketamine comes in.

  • 50-60% of ADHD adults have a co-occurring mood disorder
  • Stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin) don't treat depression or anxiety
  • Treatment-resistant depression is disproportionately common in ADHD patients
  • Ketamine targets the depression component with rapid, proven results
  • Can be used alongside your existing ADHD medication regimen

How Ketamine Helps ADHD-Related Depression

Ketamine is not a primary ADHD treatment — it won't directly improve attention or executive function the way stimulants do. What it does is address the co-occurring depression and anxiety that make ADHD so much harder to manage. By rapidly restoring mood and reducing anxiety, ketamine can help you get more out of your ADHD treatment and your daily life.

  • Rapidly reduces depression symptoms that worsen ADHD impairment
  • Reduces anxiety that often co-occurs with and amplifies ADHD
  • Promotes neuroplasticity — forming new mental pathways
  • Compatible with most ADHD medications (your physician reviews all interactions)
  • At-home convenience — no need to disrupt your schedule with clinic visits

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Our physicians evaluate each patient individually. ADHD patients who benefit most from ketamine therapy typically have a diagnosed or suspected co-occurring mood disorder that hasn't responded to antidepressants.

  • Adults 18+ with ADHD and co-occurring depression or anxiety
  • Have tried at least one antidepressant without adequate improvement
  • Currently stable on ADHD medications (no changes in the last 30 days)
  • No active substance use disorder or psychotic disorders
  • Able to have a trusted companion present during sessions

Your Treatment Journey

Getting started is simple — and designed to work around your life, not the other way around.

  • Free online eligibility assessment (under 5 minutes)
  • Video consultation with a board-certified physician
  • Your physician reviews all current medications including ADHD prescriptions
  • Medication delivered discreetly to your door
  • AI-guided sessions with real-time monitoring (KetAI)
  • Ongoing support and follow-up visits

Clinical Evidence: Ketamine for ADHD and Co-occurring Depression

Large-scale national study found that 18.6% of adults with ADHD had co-occurring major depressive disorder, with significantly higher rates of treatment resistance compared to non-ADHD patients. (Kessler et al., 2006 (American Journal of Psychiatry))

Randomized controlled trial demonstrated that 64% of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded to ketamine, compared to 28% with placebo — including patients with complex psychiatric histories. (Murrough et al., 2013 (American Journal of Psychiatry))

Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects were maintained across patients with multiple comorbid conditions, supporting its use in complex psychiatric presentations including ADHD with co-occurring depression. (Sanacora et al., 2017 (JAMA Psychiatry))

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ketamine help my ADHD directly?

Ketamine is not a primary ADHD treatment and won't directly improve attention, focus, or executive function the way stimulants do. However, if you have co-occurring depression or anxiety — which affects more than half of ADHD adults — ketamine can provide rapid, meaningful relief for those symptoms, making your ADHD treatment more effective overall.

Can I take ketamine with Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin?

In most cases, yes. Stimulant medications and ketamine work through different mechanisms and are generally compatible. Your physician will review your complete medication list during the consultation to assess safety and adjust dosing if needed. Do not stop or change your ADHD medications without your prescribing doctor's guidance.

Why isn't my antidepressant helping my ADHD-related depression?

Standard antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) work for many people but have a 4-6 week onset and fail roughly one-third of patients with treatment-resistant depression. ADHD patients may have higher rates of antidepressant non-response due to the complex neurobiological overlap between ADHD and mood disorders. Ketamine works through a completely different pathway — glutamate and NMDA receptors — offering relief for many who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants.

Is at-home ketamine safe for ADHD patients?

Yes, with proper medical supervision. Our board-certified physicians carefully screen all patients including those with ADHD. Important: stimulant medications are held on session days (coordinate with your prescribing physician). A trusted companion must be present during sessions. Sessions are monitored via our KetAI platform.

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