Effectiveness of ketamine therapy among patients with treatment-resistant depression: a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial

This double-blind, randomised, controlled trial (n=183), known as the Ketamine for Adult Depression Study (KADS), explored the effectiveness of ketamine therapy in treating patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

The study, conducted by the University of New South Wales and funded by NHMRC, spanned from August 15, 2016, to May 7, 2020, with participant enrolment taking place from August 15, 2016, to March 2, 2020.

The primary goal is to determine if ketamine is a viable and effective therapy for depression. Participants, diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for at least 3 months and having inadequate responses to at least 2 antidepressant courses, undergo a 4-week randomised controlled phase with ketamine administered subcutaneously twice weekly.

The study evaluates various outcomes, including remission, changes in MADRS scores, anxiety levels, and suicidal ideation. The trial also investigates safety, tolerability, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of repeated ketamine doses.

The study design is a randomised controlled trial in Phase III, recruiting in Australia (New South Wales). The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Topic Treatment-Resistant Depression Depression
Compound Ketamine
Country Australia
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Trial Details



Trial Number

Sponsors & Collaborators

The University of New South Wales
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Data attribution

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