Entering the World of Psychedelics as an Anesthesia Professional-Entering the World of Psychedelics as an Anesthesia Professional

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Video Summary

The session, introduced by Rhea Temmerman from the ANA's Professional Development Committee, featured Catherine Walker, a CRNA and psychiatric nurse practitioner focusing on the role of anesthesia professionals in the burgeoning field of psychedelics. Walker's expertise spans ketamine and other psychedelics, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize mental health treatment.<br /><br />Walker discussed submission guidelines for CE credits and future speaking opportunities at ANA events. She highlighted the underrepresentation of CRNAs and psychiatric nurse practitioners at psychedelic conferences, stressing the need for these professionals to lead due to their unique skill sets. <br /><br />The discussion covered the pharmacology of various psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD and their applications for treating mental health issues like depression, PTSD, and addiction. Walker explained how psychedelics might help reset the brain's default mode network, which could be a game-changer for patients with complex PTSD and addiction.<br /><br />Significant emphasis was placed on the triple network theory, which comprises the default mode network, salience network, and central executive network. Walker discussed how these networks interact and how psychedelics can help in modulating these interactions for therapeutic purposes.<br /><br />Walker also shared her experiences in establishing CRNA-led ketamine clinics, challenges with insurance and liability, and the potential for ketamine in treating conditions ranging from suicidality to complex regional pain syndrome. She stressed the importance of CRNAs due to their advanced assessment skills, empathy, and ethical considerations, recommending them to lead the psychedelic space to ensure safe and effective treatments for patients.

Keywords

psychedelics

mental health

CRNA

ketamine

pharmacology

default mode network

triple network theory

depression

PTSD

addiction