The Semmelweis reflex is a phenomenon in which novel evidence or ideas are rejected outright because they contradict established norms or beliefs. This reflexive dismissal can be particularly detrimental in the field of mental health, where breakthroughs often challenge conventional wisdom.

A striking example of this phenomenon is the resistance to low-dose sublingual ketamine as a treatment for depression. Despite growing evidence supporting its efficacy, skepticism and inertia within the medical community have slowed its acceptance. Understanding the roots of this resistance and how to overcome it is critical for fostering innovation in mental health care and helping people who do not respond to conventional treatments.

The term "Semmelweis reflex" is derived from the story of Ignaz Semmelweis, a 19th-century Hungarian physician who discovered that handwashing with chlorinated lime solution dramatically reduced mortality rates in obstetric clinics. Despite the clear evidence, his findings were ridiculed and dismissed by the medical establishment, which was entrenched in traditional practices and resistant to the implication that doctors themselves could be spreaders of infection. Semmelweis’s tragic experience highlights how cognitive biases, professional pride, and adherence to dogma can obstruct progress.

Fast forward to today, the Semmelweis reflex persists in various forms, particularly in mental health. Novel treatments often face steep resistance, even when supported by robust research. This reluctance can stem from skepticism about new paradigms, regulatory hurdles, or the vested interests of pharmaceutical and professional groups.

Depression is a global health crisis, affecting over 280 million people annually. Traditional treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychotherapy, are effective for some but fail to alleviate symptoms in up to 30 percent of........

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