Which effect can high doses of ketamine induce?

High doses of ketamine can indeed induce psychotic symptoms, which is a significant and important effect to consider, especially in a clinical context. Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has anesthetic and dissociative properties. At lower doses, it can be used therapeutically for depression, but at higher doses, it can lead to alterations in perception, including hallucinations and delusions.

This dissociative state can mimic symptoms of psychosis, which may result in confusion, disorganized thought processes, and experiences that can be misinterpreted as psychotic episodes. Understanding this potential effect is crucial for mental health professionals who may encounter patients undergoing ketamine treatment or who have used it recreationally.

The other options, while related to various effects of medications or conditions, do not accurately represent the primary concern associated with high doses of ketamine. Sedation is generally more prevalent at appropriate anesthetic doses but is not the core concern with overdose. Weight loss is not a recognized effect of ketamine, and while individual responses may vary, severe anxiety is not typical of high doses; rather, that could arise from withdrawal or other acute complications. Therefore, the hallmark of high-dose ketamine usage aligns with the induction of psychotic symptoms, cement