Research
While ketamine’s status as a generic medication has limited traditional pharmaceutical funding, its remarkable therapeutic potential has sparked extensive independent research by physicians worldwide. Below are select peer-reviewed studies highlighting ketamine’s effectiveness in mental health treatment.
Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review
In the past two decades, subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have been demonstrated to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, and accumulating research has demonstrated ketamine’s therapeutic effects for a range of psychiatric conditions.
Ketamine treatment for depression: a review
This manuscript reviews the clinical evidence regarding single-dose intravenous (IV) administration of the novel glutamatergic modulator racemic (R,S)-ketamine (hereafter referred to as ketamine) as well as its S-enantiomer, intranasal esketamine, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
An Assessment of the Anti-Fatigue Effects of Ketamine from a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Bipolar Disorder
Fatigue is a multidimensional condition that is difficult to treat with standard monoaminergic antidepressants. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist produces rapid and robust improvements in depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy for Frontline Healthcare Workers with COVID-19-Related Burnout and PTSD: A Case Series of Effectiveness / Safety for 10 Participants
This study reports on 10 frontline healthcare workers, employed during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing symptoms of burnout and PTSD, treated with group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a private outpatient clinic setting. Participants attended 6 sessions once weekly.
Ketamine for Adults With Substance Use Disorders
Accumulating research has demonstrated that subanesthetic doses of ketamine have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. In 2019, the US FDA approved the S-enantiomer of ketamine (esketamine) for the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Esketamine combined with a mindfulness-based intervention for individuals with alcohol problems
A pilot study suggests that combining esketamine with mindfulness-based therapy may improve psychological engagement, reduce alcohol cravings, and support better outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
PCORI Comparative Effectiveness Study-Esketamine (Spravato) Vs. Ketamine-Equivalence Study
This five-year clinical trial explores how IV ketamine and nasal esketamine (Spravato®) compare in treating adults with depression that hasn’t responded to standard medications. The study evaluates symptom improvement, patient experience, and side effects to help identify which treatment may work best for different individuals.
Ketamine for bipolar depression: an updated systematic review
This systematic review highlights growing evidence that intravenous ketamine may be a safe and effective option for individuals with bipolar depression who haven’t responded to other treatments. While short-term improvements in mood and suicidal ideation were observed, the article calls for further research into long-term benefits and ongoing use.
Guidelines for ketamine use in clinical psychiatry practice
This editorial highlights the growing use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and the need for clear, evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and effective clinical practice. It discusses international efforts to regulate both licensed and off-label ketamine therapies, emphasizes the importance of proper monitoring, and advocates for national registries to track patient outcomes and support long-term safety.
Considerations on the Off-label Use of Ketamine as a Treatment for Mood Disorders
This article summarizes a consensus statement from the American Psychiatric Association on the off-label use of ketamine for mood disorders. It outlines clinical best practices for patient selection, dosing, safety protocols, and treatment planning. While ketamine shows rapid antidepressant effects, the article emphasizes the need for cautious, evidence-based use and highlights the importance of further research into long-term safety and efficacy.