title: Ketamine dependence in an anesthesiologist: an occupational hazard?
abstract: Substance abuse among medical professionals is a cause for concern. Certain psychotropic substances such as ketamine are at easy dispense to anesthesiologists increasing the likelihood of misuse and dependence and raise several issues including safety of patients. We discuss a case demonstrating ketamine dependence in an anesthesiologist from India. The reported psychotropic effects of ketamine ranged from dissociation and depersonalization to psychotic experiences. There was also development of significant tolerance to ketamine without prominent physical withdrawal symptoms and cyclical use of very high doses was observed. Issues related to management of health professionals are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Shrigopal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goyal
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ambekar
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Rajat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ray
keywords: Anesthesiologist; ketamine; medical professionals