Ketamine relieves pain without 'disconnecting' consciousness, study finds
A study from Tel Aviv University indicates that ketamine's pain-relieving properties are distinct from its dissociative effects on consciousness. This discovery could lead to the development of new pain treatments that avoid the psychological side effects associated with current ketamine use.
Why it matters
Decoupling therapeutic benefits from hallucinogenic side effects could significantly improve the clinical viability of psychedelic-based medicine.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add to Preferred Sources Effects of ketamine on pain-evoked brain activation. Credit: Neuropsychopharmacology (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41386-026-02496-x An imaging study in humans led by Tel Aviv University's Institute for Psychedelic Research, in collaboration with TAU-affiliated Tel Aviv Medical Center (Ichilov), found that the pain relief provided by ketamine does not result from the sense of dissociation—a detachment from oneself, body or surroundings, induced by the drug. The findings, indicating that pain relief and the effect on consciousness are based on different brain mechanisms, may help in developing treatments that provide the benefits of ketamine while reducing its psychological side effects.
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