Ketamine and Suicidal Ideation
May 14, 2019 DOI: 10.64239/pi-vl1406
Summary
Ketamine can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts, and this effect appears to be partly separate from its antidepressant properties. However, due to insufficient long-term follow-up and concerns about prolonged use, more extensive data is necessary before it can be safely implemented in clinical settings for treating suicidal ideation.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Ketamine leads to a rapid reduction in suicidal ideation, but more long-term data are needed before clinical use. |
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Abstract
Several studies have shown that ketamine can lead to a rapid reduction in suicidal ideation. Ketamine’s rapid effect on suicidal ideation seems at least partially independent of its antidepressant effect. Given the lack of long-term follow-up, the concern for long-term exposure to ketamine, and the transient nature of the effect of a single-dose of ketamine, more long-term data are needed before ketamine can be used in clinical settings for the treatment of suicidal ideation.