How does ketamine create an altered state of consciousness?

Ketamine creates an altered state of consciousness primarily by modifying time perception. In clinical settings and anecdotal reports, many users of ketamine have experienced a distortion in their sense of time, often feeling as though time has slowed down or sped up, which contributes to the overall dissociative experience. This alteration in how individuals perceive time can significantly impact their consciousness, leading to feelings of detachment from reality or alterations in the way they engage with their surroundings.

Time perception is an essential aspect of cognitive processing and consciousness, as it helps individuals navigate their experiences in a temporal framework. By disrupting this perception, ketamine can shift cognitive processes and enhance feelings of dissociation. This characteristic is particularly relevant in therapeutic uses of ketamine in treating conditions like depression, where it may help patients gain new perspectives on their thoughts and feelings during the altered state.

While enhancing sensory perception, increasing emotional responses, or promoting relaxation can occur, the primary indicator of altered consciousness associated with ketamine is its distinctive modification of time perception.