From model psychosis to rapid antidepressant: a historical and conceptual review of ketamine's psychiatric history.
Ther Adv Psychopharmacol – December 11, 2025
Source: PubMed Central
Summary
Ketamine's dramatic transformation from a tool for understanding psychosis to a powerful rapid antidepressant marks a significant shift in psychiatric treatment. Initially explored in the 1960s, its journey traces over 50 years of psychiatric history. Modern applications demonstrate rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours, for up to 70% of individuals with severe depression. This represents a profound departure from traditional treatments, which typically require weeks for noticeable improvement, highlighting ketamine's unique therapeutic potential.
Abstract
From model psychosis to rapid antidepressant: a historical and conceptual review of ketamine's psychiatric history.