Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is often called "Miracle-Gro for the brain". But how do we trigger it reliably in adult humans?
For decades, the dogma was that the adult brain does not grow new neurons. This was false. Neurogenesis occurs primarily in the Hippocampus, but it is rate-limited by stress hormones. Cortisol is catabolic to neural tissue.
The Ketamine Trigger
Ketamine administration has been shown to rapidly upregulate BDNF expression within 4 hours. This is the "critical window" where the brain is malleable. It is not enough to just take the drug; one must use this window to learn, adopt new habits, or engage in therapy. The drug opens the door; you must walk through it.
"Neuroplasticity is a double-edged sword. You can reinforce bad habits just as easily as good ones. The setting determines the direction."
At Cortex, we pair the chemical induction of BDNF with intense psychotherapy and absence of digital stressors, ensuring the new growth wires into positive adaptations.
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2. Krystal, J. H., et al. (1994). Subanesthetic effects of the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, ketamine, in humans. Archives of General Psychiatry.