Ketamine for chronic depression: two cautionary tales

J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2019 Nov 1;44(6):384-385. doi: 10.1503/jpn.190073.

Abstract

A growing body of literature has shown the effectiveness of ketamine for treating chronic depression. How long the beneficial effects of repeated ketamine last once infusions are stopped, however, remains largely unknown. Understanding the challenges that ensue after ketamine cessation can help clinicians optimally guide patients who opt for ketamine treatment and minimize the associated risks. In this commentary, we discuss some unexpected data gathered from participants of a pilot study on the effects of adjunctive ketamine infusion for resistant depression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / psychology
  • Duration of Therapy*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Ketamine / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • Ketamine