Targeting inflammation in depression: Ketamine as an anti-inflammatory antidepressant in psychiatric emergency

This review (2021) explores the anti-inflammatory properties of ketamine and how they relate to its antidepressant effects. A case is made for using ketamine for psychiatric emergencies due to its dual effect on both inflammation and depressive symptoms. Ketamine may be a successful and personalized treatment of inflammatory-induced TRD and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Abstract

“Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder with multifactorial aetiology and complex pathophysiology. Despite availability of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies, treatment resistant depression (TRD) remains a significant challenge with specific concern for those patients with severe depressive symptoms in particular suicidal ideations who require immediate and effective intervention. Inflammation has been widely studied for its association with MDD and treatment response. Ketamine known as a dissociative anaesthetic has a novel rapid-acting antidepressant effect at lower doses. Anti-inflammatory actions of ketamine appear to play a role in mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effects. Considering the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine, this review provides a brief overview of antidepressant properties of ketamine as well as its effects on peripheral and central inflammation to better understand the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of ketamine as an anti-inflammatory antidepressant target in psychiatric emergency. Development of effective medications, which act rapidly with dual effect on both inflammation and MDD would be of a significant clinical importance for a successful and personalised treatment of inflammatory-induced TRD and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.”

Authors: Naghmeh Nikkheslat

Summary

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder with multifactorial aetiology and complex pathophysiology. Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects and may be a promising treatment for TRD and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Study details

Topics studied
Immunity

Study characteristics
Literature Review

Participants
2 Humans

Institutes

Institutes associated with this publication

King's College London
The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London is one of Europe's top centres for mental health and related neurosciences research.

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