Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Academic Reading Test 580
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 580 – PASSAGE – 1
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST – 580
READING PASSAGE – 1
Ketamine: From Anaesthetic to Antidepressant
A Ketamine, first synthesized in 1962, was initially developed as a safer alternative to phencyclidine (PCP), a dissociative anaesthetic known for causing hallucinations and neurotoxicity. Since receiving FDA approval in 1970, ketamine has been widely used in human and veterinary medicine as a fast-acting anaesthetic. However, in recent years, its potential as a treatment for major depressive disorder has drawn the attention of researchers and clinicians alike.
B Unlike conventional antidepressants, which typically take weeks to exhibit noticeable effects, ketamine has shown the ability to produce rapid mood elevation in individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression. This quality has made it an attractive option for patients who have not responded to existing medications. In some trials, a single intravenous infusion of ketamine resulted in substantial mood improvement within hours, a breakthrough in the context of mental health treatment.
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C The mechanism behind ketamine’s antidepressant effect is not yet fully understood. Most antidepressants act on the brain’s serotonin or norepinephrine systems, whereas ketamine primarily targets the glutamate system. Specifically, it blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which play a crucial role in neural plasticity. Researchers hypothesise that this action promotes the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain, potentially “resetting” neural circuits associated with depression.
D Despite the promising outcomes, the use of ketamine in psychiatry raises various concerns. For one, ketamine has a history of recreational misuse due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. In large doses, it can induce out-of-body experiences and confusion, earning it the nickname “Special K” on the street. This potential for abuse has led to regulatory hesitations in making the drug widely available for psychiatric treatment.
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E Additionally, there are uncertainties surrounding the long-term effects of ketamine use for depression. While short-term studies show benefits, few long-term clinical trials have been completed. Repeated doses may carry risks such as cognitive impairment, bladder toxicity, and dependence. The medical community is divided: while some advocate for its cautious application under supervision, others warn against widespread adoption until more data is available.
F The growing popularity of ketamine clinics in the United States and other countries reflects the strong demand for alternative depression therapies. These clinics often offer intravenous infusions in private settings, usually at a high cost and without insurance coverage. Although these centres report anecdotal success stories, critics argue that the commercialisation of ketamine therapy is outpacing the scientific evidence.
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G In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray version of ketamine called esketamine (brand name: Spravato) specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is a derivative of ketamine, believed to have similar antidepressant effects with fewer side effects. However, even esketamine is only available under strict guidelines, including administration in certified clinics with post-dose monitoring.
Questions 1–7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Ketamine was originally developed to replace PCP due to safety concerns.
2. Most people taking ketamine for depression experience improvements after several weeks.
3. Ketamine impacts the serotonin system in the brain.
4. One theory suggests ketamine helps rewire the brain.
5. The recreational use of ketamine has never posed any medical concerns.
6. All medical professionals agree that ketamine should be used widely for depression.
7. Insurance companies in the US typically cover ketamine treatments for depression.
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Questions 8–13
Match each piece of information with the correct paragraph, A–G.
Write the correct letter A–G.
8. A version of ketamine that can be taken via the nose
9. A comparison between ketamine and more traditional antidepressants
10. How ketamine affects certain receptors in the brain
11. The limited scientific understanding of long-term ketamine use
12. The growing availability of ketamine treatments in private medical centres
13. The discovery that launched interest in ketamine’s potential for mood disorders
IELTS Academic Reading Test
IELTS Academic Reading Test
ANSWERS
1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. FALSE
6. FALSE
7. FALSE
8. G
9. B
10. C
11. E
12. F
13. A
IELTS Academic Reading Test