Are celebs giving this FDA-approved therapy for treatment-resistant depression a bad rap?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I think for people that nothing else has worked for or people who are imminently suicidal, [ketamine] is an option. And it has some research showing it’s really helpful." — Daniel G. Amen, MD, psychiatrist
Justin Bieber recently posted a series of cryptic Instagram Stories that has sounded the alarm—among the public and the medical community—on the state of his mental health.
These posts included an AI‑delivered snippet mentioning ketamine’s alleged use in emotional control.[]
As ketamine is gaining popularity as an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression, we have to wonder: Are celebrities like Bieber unintentionally deterring patients from one of the only FDA-approved treatments that may be able to help them?
More celeb anecdotes
Elon Musk’s public admission of bi‑weekly ketamine use for “negative frame of mind,” possibly escalating to daily doses during 2024, caused concern after reports of bladder issues. []
Celeb anecdotes—cryptic or not—can polarize discourse. But isolated stories don’t represent mainstream, clinically guided ketamine use.
Under FDA supervision, ketamine clinics follow dosing schedules, cognitive screening, and bladder monitoring. That’s a different model than “daily DIY” use like what was alleged of Musk.
Related: Concerns rise about Elon Musk’s daily ketamine use—especially given his power in the US governmentWhat the science actually says
Ketamine, approved in 2019 as Spravato (esketamine nasal spray), revolutionized treatment‑resistant depression with rapid relief in hours—with high efficacy when paired with maintenance therapy. []
Research shows ketamine's benefits in promoting neuroplasticity, yet long‑term safety—especially regarding cognition and bladder health—remains under investigation. []
A previous MDLinx piece highlights both the rapid antidepressant potential and serious risks—especially with unsupervised or long‑term regimens. For instance, extended use of IV ketamine can negatively affect brain structure and function and lead to cognitive deficits. []
"I think for people that nothing else has worked for or people who are imminently suicidal, [ketamine] is an option. And it has some research showing it’s really helpful," said psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, MD, in an Instagram Reel.
What clinicians should focus on
Yes, celeb-driven narratives can derail nuanced understanding of ketamine therapy. But they don’t undermine the drug’s value under professional care. Our role is to cut through sensationalism, educate patients, and champion responsible, evidence-based use.
Ask about supervision and frequency in patient use.
Normalize ketamine as a legitimate, FDA-approved option in treatment-resistant depression.
Address stigma by highlighting safety protocols and monitoring standards in clinical settings.
By re-centering the conversation, we can reduce the celebrity “bad rap” and keep the focus where it belongs: on safe, effective, patient-centered care.
Related: The controversy surrounding ketamine continues. Should you be prescribing it?