Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Genetic Medicine Can Leave People With Rare Mutations Behind-But There's New Hope

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff struggles to breathe easily. Living with advanced <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cystic-fibrosis">cystic fibrosis</a></span>, she finds everyday tasks like walking and showering draining and difficult.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States, affecting around 40,000 people. Yet Kramer-Golinkoff’s case is particularly challenging because her condition stems from a rare mutation. As a result, the treatments that benefit 90% of cystic fibrosis patients are ineffective for her.

This situation isn’t unique to cystic fibrosis. Across many genetic diseases, major scientific breakthroughs have uncovered hidden mutations behind severe illnesses and led to life-changing treatments. However, for patients with rare genetic variations, therapeutic options remain limited, forcing them to place their hopes in emerging gene therapies.

“We feel pure joy for our friends who have been saved from this sinking ship,” said Kramer-Golinkoff, 40. “But we’re also desperate to join them. It’s incredibly hard to be among the few left behind.”

The difficulty isn’t just scientific—market forces are also at play. Drug companies prioritize developing treatments for the most common mutations to ensure larger markets.

“You need a large enough patient group in a major market for a company to stay interested,” explained Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a gene-editing specialist at the University of Pennsylvania. This results in what he calls “mutational discrimination.”

Charities like Emily’s Entourage, a nonprofit Kramer-Golinkoff helped establish, aim to break these barriers. Their fundraising has fueled early-stage gene therapy research that could benefit patients regardless of their specific mutations.

Although widespread availability of these therapies is still years away, “just having these treatments enter clinical trials provides immense hope,” Kramer-Golinkoff said.

Kramer-Golinkoff’s journey with cystic fibrosis began when she was diagnosed at six weeks old. The disease causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body due to a malfunctioning CFTR protein, leading to infections, blockages, and organ damage.

Despite her best efforts, her condition has deteriorated over time. She earned a master’s degree in bioethics, traveled, worked, and built friendships, but eventually developed CF-related diabetes and other complications. The pandemic forced her into isolation with her parents in the Greater Philadelphia area.

“CF is truly a monster of a disease,” she said.

Meanwhile, many others with cystic fibrosis have experienced remarkable health improvements thanks to CFTR modulator therapies that correct the defective protein. These treatments significantly boost lung function, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life.

Unfortunately, these modulators aren’t an option for patients with rare or unknown mutations. Gaps in genetic testing, particularly in underrepresented communities, contribute to these inequities. Research indicates that Black cystic fibrosis patients are more likely than white patients to fall into the group who don’t benefit from available therapies.

To address these disparities, scientists are focusing on “mutation-agnostic” gene therapies—treatments designed to work across all mutations. This strategy is gaining traction in diseases affecting both the lungs and the eyes.

“There’s a strong push to develop these therapies,” said Dr. Garry Cutting of the Johns Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Center.

Most of the 14 experimental gene therapies for cystic fibrosis aim to deliver healthy CFTR genes directly into patients' cells, correcting the underlying defect regardless of the mutation.

One such therapy, partially funded by Emily’s Entourage, began a clinical trial in November at Columbia University. The goal is to assess the treatment’s safety and effectiveness.

Despite her worsening condition—living with just 30% lung function, diabetes, and lung hypertension—Kramer-Golinkoff remains hopeful.

“You have to make careful choices about how to spend your limited energy,” she said. “But we’re incredibly excited about the promise of gene therapies. They can’t come soon enough.” 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Cystic Fibrosis

Health & Wellness

Genetics

Genetic Medicine

cystic fibrosis treatment

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Emily Kramer-Golinkoff struggles to breathe easily. Living with advanced cystic fibrosis, she finds everyday tasks like walking and showering draining and difficult.Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States, affecting around 40,000 people. Yet Kramer-Golinkoff’s case is particularly challenging because her condition stems from a rare mutation. As a result, the treatments that benefit 90% of cystic fibrosis patients are ineffective for her.This situation isn’t unique to cystic fibrosis. Across many genetic diseases, major scientific breakthroughs have uncovered hidden mutations behind severe illnesses and led to life-changing treatments. However, for patients with rare genetic variations, therapeutic options remain limited, forcing them to place their hopes in emerging gene therapies.“We feel pure joy for our friends who have been saved from this sinking ship,” said Kramer-Golinkoff, 40. “But we’re also desperate to join them. It’s incredibly hard to be among the few left behind.”The difficulty isn’t just scientific—market forces are also at play. Drug companies prioritize developing treatments for the most common mutations to ensure larger markets.“You need a large enough patient group in a major market for a company to stay interested,” explained Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a gene-editing specialist at the University of Pennsylvania. This results in what he calls “mutational discrimination.”Charities like Emily’s Entourage, a nonprofit Kramer-Golinkoff helped establish, aim to break these barriers. Their fundraising has fueled early-stage gene therapy research that could benefit patients regardless of their specific mutations.Although widespread availability of these therapies is still years away, “just having these treatments enter clinical trials provides immense hope,” Kramer-Golinkoff said.Kramer-Golinkoff’s journey with cystic fibrosis began when she was diagnosed at six weeks old. The disease causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body due to a malfunctioning CFTR protein, leading to infections, blockages, and organ damage.Despite her best efforts, her condition has deteriorated over time. She earned a master’s degree in bioethics, traveled, worked, and built friendships, but eventually developed CF-related diabetes and other complications. The pandemic forced her into isolation with her parents in the Greater Philadelphia area.“CF is truly a monster of a disease,” she said.Meanwhile, many others with cystic fibrosis have experienced remarkable health improvements thanks to CFTR modulator therapies that correct the defective protein. These treatments significantly boost lung function, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life.Unfortunately, these modulators aren’t an option for patients with rare or unknown mutations. Gaps in genetic testing, particularly in underrepresented communities, contribute to these inequities. Research indicates that Black cystic fibrosis patients are more likely than white patients to fall into the group who don’t benefit from available therapies.To address these disparities, scientists are focusing on “mutation-agnostic” gene therapies—treatments designed to work across all mutations. This strategy is gaining traction in diseases affecting both the lungs and the eyes.“There’s a strong push to develop these therapies,” said Dr. Garry Cutting of the Johns Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Center.Most of the 14 experimental gene therapies for cystic fibrosis aim to deliver healthy CFTR genes directly into patients' cells, correcting the underlying defect regardless of the mutation.One such therapy, partially funded by Emily’s Entourage, began a clinical trial in November at Columbia University. The goal is to assess the treatment’s safety and effectiveness.Despite her worsening condition—living with just 30% lung function, diabetes, and lung hypertension—Kramer-Golinkoff remains hopeful.“You have to make careful choices about how to spend your limited energy,” she said. “But we’re incredibly excited about the promise of gene therapies. They can’t come soon enough.” 

genetic medicine can leave people with rare mutations behind-but there's new hope

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Bone cancer develops when bone cells start to multiply rapidly and in an unusual manner. This results in break down of the bone. These bone cancer cells may also travel by blood to other oarts of the body like lung and other bones.

Bone tumours occur in two age groups. Children and adolescents and people above the age of 50 years. However it must be remembered that majority of the bony swellings are benign(non-cancerous). 

<h2>What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer?</h2>

The bone which is affected may start paining. The pain may be intermittent initially but can later become continuous as the disease progresses. The pain may be worse at night. There may be a swelling or lump in the area. The disease may weaken the bone to cause a fracture. All these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not bone cancer. So if you have these symptoms you must tell your doctor.

Your doctor can order an X-ray of the bone affected. If X-ray is suggestive of bone cancer other tests will be required. These include blood tests, imaging studies like CT scan and MRI scan to check the affected bone. A whole body bone scan or PET scan may required to see if the disease has spead to other parts of the body.

A biopsy is required to check if it is actually cancer. The biopsy is sent to a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy should be done by an experienced onco-surgeon. A wrongly placed biopsy site can be disastrous for the patient.

<h2>What Are the Treatment Options For Bone Cancer?</h2>

Bone cancer if detected in time can be cured. The treatment consists of mainly Sugery and Chemotherapy. Surgery these days involves what is known as <span>limb salvage surgery</span>. This is when the surgeon removes part of the arm or leg where the cancer is growing without removing the whole limb. Chemotherapy is required before and after surgery in many cases. It helps in killing cancer cells which may have spread by blood in the body. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment bone tumour can be cured in a large number of case especially in early stages. There are no common risk factors to bone cancers. Exposure to radiation and a family history are a few known factors.

The key to treatment of bone tumour is early referral to a specialist and management in a specilised oncology centre

bone cancer awareness month

bone cancer symptoms

bone tumour diagnosis

limb salvage surgery

bone cancer in children

bone cancer treatment

early signs of bone cancer

bone cancer biopsy

Bone cancer develops when bone cells start to multiply rapidly and in an unusual manner. This results in break down of the bone. These bone cancer cells may also travel by blood to other oarts of the body like lung and other bones.Bone tumours occur in two age groups. Children and adolescents and people above the age of 50 years. However it must be remembered that majority of the bony swellings are benign(non-cancerous). What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer?The bone which is affected may start paining. The pain may be intermittent initially but can later become continuous as the disease progresses. The pain may be worse at night. There may be a swelling or lump in the area. The disease may weaken the bone to cause a fracture. All these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not bone cancer. So if you have these symptoms you must tell your doctor.What Can The Doctor Do?Your doctor can order an X-ray of the bone affected. If X-ray is suggestive of bone cancer other tests will be required. These include blood tests, imaging studies like CT scan and MRI scan to check the affected bone. A whole body bone scan or PET scan may required to see if the disease has spead to other parts of the body.A biopsy is required to check if it is actually cancer. The biopsy is sent to a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy should be done by an experienced onco-surgeon. A wrongly placed biopsy site can be disastrous for the patient.What Are the Treatment Options For Bone Cancer?Bone cancer if detected in time can be cured. The treatment consists of mainly Sugery and Chemotherapy. Surgery these days involves what is known as limb salvage surgery. This is when the surgeon removes part of the arm or leg where the cancer is growing without removing the whole limb. Chemotherapy is required before and after surgery in many cases. It helps in killing cancer cells which may have spread by blood in the body. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment bone tumour can be cured in a large number of case especially in early stages. There are no common risk factors to bone cancers. Exposure to radiation and a family history are a few known factors.The key to treatment of bone tumour is early referral to a specialist and management in a specilised oncology centre

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A 13-year-old boy walked into the emergency room one day with bloodshot eyes. He didn't have any other eye problems like blurry vision, extra tears, discharge, or pain. He also didn't have a fever or any eye injury. His parents mentioned that for four days before his eyes turned red, he had been vomiting and had diarrhea a lot. This started after they returned home from a trip to Mexico that lasted a few weeks. 

When doctors examined him, they found a healthy, awake boy who wasn't in any discomfort. Everything else about his body seemed normal, except for the very red eyes. The redness was in both eyes, underneath the clear outer layer, but there was no discharge, no sensitivity to light, and his eye movements and vision were fine. 

Doctors believed his red eyes were caused by the extreme vomiting and gagging he experienced. This pressure likely made tiny blood vessels in his eye burst. He was admitted to the hospital for severe stomach flu. As his vomiting and diarrhea got better, the redness in his eyes also went away by itself within a few days. 

<h2>A Scary Symptom But ‘Not So Scary’ Cause </h2>

According to the <span>American Academy of Ophthalmology</span> (AAO), a <span>subconjunctival hemorrhage</span> is simply one or more bright red spots on the white part of your eye. It happens because the clear covering of your eye, called the conjunctiva, has many tiny blood vessels. When one of these small vessels breaks, blood leaks out and gets trapped between the conjunctiva and the white of your eye (the sclera). This is what creates that noticeable red spot. 

Even though these red spots can look alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless and will often heal on its own. The main symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is just the red spot itself. You might not even realize you have it until you look in a mirror. Sometimes, you might feel a very slight irritation in your eye, but usually, there's no pain. 

Most often, subconjunctival hemorrhages are caused by actions that briefly increase the pressure in your veins, such as: 

<ul><li>Coughing</li><li>Sneezing</li><li>Straining (like when lifting something heavy or having a bowel movement)</li><li>This quick jump in pressure can cause those tiny blood vessels to break.</li><li>Injuries to the eye, even something as simple as rubbing your eyes too hard, can also cause these spots.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Diabetes</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li> Taking medicines that thin your blood, like aspirin or certain blood thinners</li><li>Very rarely, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can be a sign of a blood clotting problem or another blood disorder affecting your whole body. </li></ul>

A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically heals by itself without any specific treatment. The time it takes to clear up depends on the size of the spot, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks. If your eye feels a bit irritated, you can use artificial tears to help. If you find yourself getting these red spots often, your eye doctor will want to talk with you and might recommend further tests to figure out why. 

<h2>When These Red Spots Are A Cause Of Concern </h2>

AAO explains that it is easy to mix up a <span>hyphema</span> with a common, harmless condition called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is just a broken blood vessel in the white part of your eye. A subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn't hurt. However, a hyphema is usually painful and needs proper medical attention right away, or it could cause lasting vision problems. 

A hyphema is when blood collects in the front part of your eye. This happens in the space between the clear outer layer which is called the cornea and the colored part of your eye (the iris). The blood can cover some or all of your iris and the dark center of your eye which is the pupil. If you have a hyphema, your vision in that eye might be partly or completely blocked. Hyphema symptoms include, 

<ul><li>Blood in the front of your eye</li><li>Sensitivity to light</li><li>Pain in the eye</li><li>Blurry, cloudy, or blocked vision</li></ul>

Since most hyphemas are due to sports injuries, it's very important to wear proper eye protection when playing sports. Injuries from small, fast-moving balls, like in racquetball, can cause serious eye problems beyond just hyphema, such as cataracts, detached retinas, and glaucoma, which can even lead to blindness. However, it is treatable so it is best to visit a doctor to get it checked out 

Bleeding eyes

american academy of ophthalmology

Red spots in your eye

blood vessel breakage in eye

subconjunctival hemorrhage

hyphema

A 13-year-old boy walked into the emergency room one day with bloodshot eyes. He didn't have any other eye problems like blurry vision, extra tears, discharge, or pain. He also didn't have a fever or any eye injury. His parents mentioned that for four days before his eyes turned red, he had been vomiting and had diarrhea a lot. This started after they returned home from a trip to Mexico that lasted a few weeks. When doctors examined him, they found a healthy, awake boy who wasn't in any discomfort. Everything else about his body seemed normal, except for the very red eyes. The redness was in both eyes, underneath the clear outer layer, but there was no discharge, no sensitivity to light, and his eye movements and vision were fine. Doctors believed his red eyes were caused by the extreme vomiting and gagging he experienced. This pressure likely made tiny blood vessels in his eye burst. He was admitted to the hospital for severe stomach flu. As his vomiting and diarrhea got better, the redness in his eyes also went away by itself within a few days. A Scary Symptom But ‘Not So Scary’ Cause According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), a subconjunctival hemorrhage is simply one or more bright red spots on the white part of your eye. It happens because the clear covering of your eye, called the conjunctiva, has many tiny blood vessels. When one of these small vessels breaks, blood leaks out and gets trapped between the conjunctiva and the white of your eye (the sclera). This is what creates that noticeable red spot. Even though these red spots can look alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless and will often heal on its own. The main symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is just the red spot itself. You might not even realize you have it until you look in a mirror. Sometimes, you might feel a very slight irritation in your eye, but usually, there's no pain. What Causes These Red Spots? Most often, subconjunctival hemorrhages are caused by actions that briefly increase the pressure in your veins, such as: CoughingSneezingStraining (like when lifting something heavy or having a bowel movement)This quick jump in pressure can cause those tiny blood vessels to break.Injuries to the eye, even something as simple as rubbing your eyes too hard, can also cause these spots.Less common causes include: DiabetesHigh blood pressure Taking medicines that thin your blood, like aspirin or certain blood thinnersVery rarely, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can be a sign of a blood clotting problem or another blood disorder affecting your whole body. A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically heals by itself without any specific treatment. The time it takes to clear up depends on the size of the spot, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks. If your eye feels a bit irritated, you can use artificial tears to help. If you find yourself getting these red spots often, your eye doctor will want to talk with you and might recommend further tests to figure out why. When These Red Spots Are A Cause Of Concern AAO explains that it is easy to mix up a hyphema with a common, harmless condition called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is just a broken blood vessel in the white part of your eye. A subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn't hurt. However, a hyphema is usually painful and needs proper medical attention right away, or it could cause lasting vision problems. A hyphema is when blood collects in the front part of your eye. This happens in the space between the clear outer layer which is called the cornea and the colored part of your eye (the iris). The blood can cover some or all of your iris and the dark center of your eye which is the pupil. If you have a hyphema, your vision in that eye might be partly or completely blocked. Hyphema symptoms include, Blood in the front of your eyeSensitivity to lightPain in the eyeBlurry, cloudy, or blocked visionWhat Causes Hyphema? Since most hyphemas are due to sports injuries, it's very important to wear proper eye protection when playing sports. Injuries from small, fast-moving balls, like in racquetball, can cause serious eye problems beyond just hyphema, such as cataracts, detached retinas, and glaucoma, which can even lead to blindness. However, it is treatable so it is best to visit a doctor to get it checked out 

my eye is bleeding? what does it mean when you have a big red patch on the whites of your eye

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<span>Tatiana Zdyb</span> admitted to multiple professional misconduct charges, including intimate relationship with patient and misuse of psychedelic therapy

A London-based psychologist who offered ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to clients has been stripped of her license after admitting to serious professional misconduct, including sexual abuse of a patient, misrepresenting her credentials, and offering unproven treatments.

Zdyb, once publicly known for pioneering the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Southwestern Ontario, faced a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday before the Ontario College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts. The hearing addressed three separate notices of professional misconduct, culminating in the revocation of her license to practice.

The hearing, held in Toronto, heard that Zdyb engaged in an inappropriate and intimate relationship with a long-time patient, provided services unlikely to benefit clients, and misrepresented both her role and the safety of the treatments she was offering.

“These findings are not minor breaches,” said hearing chair Ian Nicholson. “They go to the core of your responsibilities as a regulated professional… Your actions represented a fundamental and egregious betrayal of that trust.”

<h4>The Psychedelic Controversy: What Is <span rel="noindex">Ketamine</span> Therapy?</h4>

Ketamine, originally developed as a fast-acting anesthetic for medical and veterinary use, has in recent years found a foothold in <span>mental health</span> care, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. It is a controlled substance in Canada, meaning its use outside regulated medical or scientific settings is illegal.

When used under medical supervision, low-dose ketamine infusions or lozenges are believed to rapidly relieve depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours. However, the drug also has hallucinogenic effects and potential for misuse, raising concerns among medical professionals and regulators alike.

While Zdyb was not a medical doctor, she collaborated with prescribing physicians to incorporate ketamine into her psychotherapy sessions. She had previously promoted her clinic, under names like the MindSetting Institute and Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion, as one of the first in the region to offer this form of therapy.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/matthew-perry-investigation-can-ketamine-kill-someone-article-151033259" data-type="tilCustomLink">Matthew Perry Investigation: Can Ketamine Kill Someone?</a></strong>

Ketamine is an anaesthetic used to treat depression, anxiety and pain under supervised and controlled medical settings. However, it does have its side effects, which can lead to distortion of sight, sound and time. It can also produce calming and relaxing effects.

Ketamine increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. If overdosed, it can leave users confused and agitated and can cause them to hurt themselves without even realizing it. It can also lead to liver damage and bladder problems.

However, when used in moderation and under the supervision of medical doctors, it can treat depression where traditional antidepressants have failed.

Prof Rupert McShane, a University of Oxford psychiatrist who runs an NHS ketamine treatment clinic told BBC that ketamine “probably turns off the area of the brain that is involved in disappointment.”

In simple terms, it cannot, be if the dosage is given in a controlled setting and as prescribed. Ketamine infusion therapy uses drugs in small doses than those used for anaesthesia. It acts faster than traditional anti-depressants, but the effects also wear off way quickly. Which is why it is important to monitor patients’ mental state for relapsing back into depression and discouraging them from overdosing on it.

<strong>YOU MAY WANT TO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-you-use-ketamine-to-treat-depression-article-151125316" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can You Use Ketamine To Treat Depression?</a></strong>

<h4>Disciplinary Action Follows Settled Lawsuit</h4>

The College first issued an interim suspension of Zdyb’s licence in August 2023, pending investigation. But the roots of concern stretch back even further. Lawyer John Nicholson, who represented a former client of Zdyb's under the pseudonym “A.A.”, said his client’s mental health significantly deteriorated after receiving ketamine treatment under Zdyb’s care in 2020 for mild depression.

“She got worse,” Nicholson told CBC News. “And later, Zdyb recommended psilocybin [magic mushrooms] without having the training or expertise to manage that process. My client was unable to return to work and suffered greatly.”

The lawsuit alleged not only inappropriate treatment but also that Zdyb entered into a romantic relationship with A.A. during the course of her therapy, a clear violation of regulatory rules that prohibit any sexual relationship for at least one year after treatment ends. The case was settled out of court, with Nicholson confirming a monetary agreement but declining to share further details.

<h4>Admitted Misconduct and License Revocation</h4>

At Wednesday’s hearing, Zdyb admitted to all the allegations presented. Her legal representative, Grant Ferguson, acknowledged the “most serious” charge was the sexual relationship with a former client, which began in September 2022, the same month the patient ceased treatment.

But the College’s regulations are unequivocal: any romantic involvement within a year of therapy ending constitutes sexual abuse, carrying severe consequences including mandatory licence revocation.

Tatiana Zdyb london ontario

Tatiana Zdyb

ketamine

health and wellness

ketamine depression

mental health

psychology

Tatiana Zdyb admitted to multiple professional misconduct charges, including intimate relationship with patient and misuse of psychedelic therapyA London-based psychologist who offered ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to clients has been stripped of her license after admitting to serious professional misconduct, including sexual abuse of a patient, misrepresenting her credentials, and offering unproven treatments.Zdyb, once publicly known for pioneering the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Southwestern Ontario, faced a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday before the Ontario College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts. The hearing addressed three separate notices of professional misconduct, culminating in the revocation of her license to practice.The hearing, held in Toronto, heard that Zdyb engaged in an inappropriate and intimate relationship with a long-time patient, provided services unlikely to benefit clients, and misrepresented both her role and the safety of the treatments she was offering.“These findings are not minor breaches,” said hearing chair Ian Nicholson. “They go to the core of your responsibilities as a regulated professional… Your actions represented a fundamental and egregious betrayal of that trust.”The Psychedelic Controversy: What Is Ketamine Therapy?Ketamine, originally developed as a fast-acting anesthetic for medical and veterinary use, has in recent years found a foothold in mental health care, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. It is a controlled substance in Canada, meaning its use outside regulated medical or scientific settings is illegal.When used under medical supervision, low-dose ketamine infusions or lozenges are believed to rapidly relieve depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours. However, the drug also has hallucinogenic effects and potential for misuse, raising concerns among medical professionals and regulators alike.While Zdyb was not a medical doctor, she collaborated with prescribing physicians to incorporate ketamine into her psychotherapy sessions. She had previously promoted her clinic, under names like the MindSetting Institute and Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion, as one of the first in the region to offer this form of therapy.ALSO READ: Matthew Perry Investigation: Can Ketamine Kill Someone?Ketamine is an anaesthetic used to treat depression, anxiety and pain under supervised and controlled medical settings. However, it does have its side effects, which can lead to distortion of sight, sound and time. It can also produce calming and relaxing effects.Ketamine increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. If overdosed, it can leave users confused and agitated and can cause them to hurt themselves without even realizing it. It can also lead to liver damage and bladder problems.However, when used in moderation and under the supervision of medical doctors, it can treat depression where traditional antidepressants have failed.Prof Rupert McShane, a University of Oxford psychiatrist who runs an NHS ketamine treatment clinic told BBC that ketamine “probably turns off the area of the brain that is involved in disappointment.”In simple terms, it cannot, be if the dosage is given in a controlled setting and as prescribed. Ketamine infusion therapy uses drugs in small doses than those used for anaesthesia. It acts faster than traditional anti-depressants, but the effects also wear off way quickly. Which is why it is important to monitor patients’ mental state for relapsing back into depression and discouraging them from overdosing on it.YOU MAY WANT TO READ: Can You Use Ketamine To Treat Depression?Disciplinary Action Follows Settled LawsuitThe College first issued an interim suspension of Zdyb’s licence in August 2023, pending investigation. But the roots of concern stretch back even further. Lawyer John Nicholson, who represented a former client of Zdyb's under the pseudonym “A.A.”, said his client’s mental health significantly deteriorated after receiving ketamine treatment under Zdyb’s care in 2020 for mild depression.“She got worse,” Nicholson told CBC News. “And later, Zdyb recommended psilocybin [magic mushrooms] without having the training or expertise to manage that process. My client was unable to return to work and suffered greatly.”The lawsuit alleged not only inappropriate treatment but also that Zdyb entered into a romantic relationship with A.A. during the course of her therapy, a clear violation of regulatory rules that prohibit any sexual relationship for at least one year after treatment ends. The case was settled out of court, with Nicholson confirming a monetary agreement but declining to share further details.Admitted Misconduct and License RevocationAt Wednesday’s hearing, Zdyb admitted to all the allegations presented. Her legal representative, Grant Ferguson, acknowledged the “most serious” charge was the sexual relationship with a former client, which began in September 2022, the same month the patient ceased treatment.But the College’s regulations are unequivocal: any romantic involvement within a year of therapy ending constitutes sexual abuse, carrying severe consequences including mandatory licence revocation.

london psychologist gave patients ketamine, now loses license, here's what we know so far

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