Ketamine Reduces Suicidality-Associated Emergency Department Utilization in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – September 17, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
In a notable finding, ketamine and esketamine significantly decreased long-term emergency department visits for suicidality in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Among participants, those receiving these treatments experienced a reduction in ED visits, highlighting their potential role in suicide prevention. This suggests that ketamine may not only impact mood directly but could also influence underlying mechanisms related to mental health disorders. With a focus on effective treatment strategies, these insights are crucial for advancing psychiatry and emergency medicine practices.
Abstract
Conclusions: Ketamine and esketamine reduced long-term ED visits for suicidality in individuals with TRD. Further longer-term follow-up research is encouraged to ascertain if these benefits on suicidality reduction are mood state dependent or reflect an independent mechanism.