A Narrative Review: The Role that Ketamine May Play in the Treatment of Depression and the Underlying Mechanisms of Its Effect

Summary

Ketamine, a novel antidepressant, provides rapid improvement in mood, anhedonia, and suicidal thoughts, unlike traditional antidepressants. While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, emerging theories suggest that ketamine may reverse chronic stress pathology associated with depression. This review explores current theories regarding its effects on neurotransmitter systems and brain networks, highlighting the need for further investigation into its neuropsychopharmacological actions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The novel antidepressant ketamine has been shown to achieve what most classic antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, have not been able to. A rapid onset of symptomatic improvement across multiple domains; mood, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation. The exact neuropsychopharmacological mechanisms of this unique phenomenon are still unknown, although many theories are emerging from human and animal studies using neuroimaging and placebo-controlled, cross-over randomised control trials. This review discusses current state-of-the-art theories of action, focussing on neurotransmitter systems, effects of ketamine at the synapse, and functional connectivity in the form of brain networks. These theories are discussed in the context of dysfunctionality in depression, concluding that a major mechanism contributing to ketamine’s antidepressant effects is the reversal of chronic stress pathology present in depression. Possible limitations of evidence presented are discussed.

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