This literature review (2017) of randomized, placebo-controlled trials explores the effects of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and bipolar depression (BD). Ketamine reduced symptoms in both and is a promising compound for those who have found other treatments lacking.
Abstract
“Introduction: Over the past decade, ketamine has been studied for major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Ketamine is believed to exert its antidepressant properties through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism.
Methods: Study authors completed a literature review of seven randomized controlled trials of ketamine usage in major depressive disorder and bipolar depression.
Results: Ketamine demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over placebo or midazolam in major depressive disorder. Ketamine also exhibited a statistically significant improvement over placebo in bipolar depression.
Discussion: Ketamine has shown promise in quickly reducing symptoms in patients with treatment resistant depression and bipolar depression. Using ketamine may be helpful for patients that have exhausted other therapeutic options.“
Authors: Sarah E. Grady, Travis A. Marsh, Allison Tenhouse & Kelsey Klein
Find this paper
https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.01.016
Open Access | Google Scholar | Backup | 🕊
Published in
Mental Health Clinician
January 1, 2017
44 citations
Study details
Compounds studied
Ketamine
Topics studied
Bipolar Disorder
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression
Study characteristics
Literature Review