Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
2 papers in the library · 14 citations · publishing 2024-2025
People who received ketamine for depression in early clinical trials at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) were more likely to obtain ketamine or esketamine after leaving the research setting. Among 203 former participants followed up an average of nine years later, 25.6% had originally received ketamine at the NIMH. Those who had received ketamine were significantly more likely to have used ketamine or esketamine afterward. However, receiving ketamine at the NIMH was not linked to higher rates of suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, dissociation, hallucinations, or attempts to obtain non-prescribed ketamine. Participants who used ketamine or esketamine after discharge reported more depressive symptoms. No symptoms indicating abuse were reported. The findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring of patients receiving rapid-acting antidepressants.
People with treatment-resistant depression show higher REM density in the first REM period and shorter REM latency than healthy volunteers, while total night REM density does not differ. Ketamine treatment reduces REM density in the first REM period but does not change total night REM density or REM latency. Baseline REM density in the first REM period moderately predicts whether a person will respond to ketamine, with higher levels indicating greater likelihood of response. This marker could help identify individuals most likely to benefit from ketamine therapy.