Off-label use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in clinical practice: European perspective.
Álvaro López-díaz, Manuel Murillo-izquierdo, Elisa Moreno-mellado
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science August 1, 2019 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.102 via PubMed
Summary
Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression in Europe should only be considered after all evidence-based antidepressant strategies have been attempted. The paper discusses the ethical, regulatory, and procedural aspects of using ketamine off-label in public healthcare systems.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression may only be used after trying all evidence-based antidepressant options. |
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Abstract
Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression in European national health systems may only be considered after attempting all evidence-based antidepressant strategies outlined in clinical guidelines. This paper seeks to explain the ethical, regulatory and procedural framework for the off-label use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression within a public healthcare system.Declaration of interestNone.