Adverse reactions to ketamine anaesthesia. Abolition by a psychological technique.

Ketamine, a phencyclidine derivative, has been used as a general anaesthetic since 1965. Numerous reports of adverse psychological reactions have caused diminished use of this drug. Many investigators have tried by pharmacological means to modify these reactions with limited success. In this study, a psychological strategy has resulted in the absence of any adverse psychological reactions and acceptance of ketamine anaesthesia by all patients. Additionally, all surgeons were satisfied with operating conditions.