DOI: 10.7910/dvn/qfl7tn
title: Replication data for Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR)

description: 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 &lt; .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 &lt; .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