In a sample of 55 adolescent females with treatment-resistant depression, intravenous ketamine reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms over a short-term period, with particular efficacy in alleviating inner tension compared to midazolam. At 2 hours after the initial infusion, 33% of the ketamine group and 14% of the midazolam group responded on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; at 24 hours after treatment ended, 59% and 46% responded, respectively. Both groups showed significant reductions in symptoms from baseline at both time points. The findings suggest ketamine may offer specific advantages for symptom relief in this rarely studied population.
A single intravenous infusion of ketamine reduced depressive symptoms in hospitalized adolescent girls with major depressive disorder, as measured by the MADRS and CDI scales, without significantly altering electrodermal activity (EDA) parameters such as skin conductance level or nonspecific electrodermal responses. The study involved 20 girls with an average age of 15.0 years. Before treatment, lower skin conductance level correlated with higher scores on certain CDI subscales, and fewer nonspecific electrodermal responses correlated with higher scores on one MADRS item. The findings suggest ketamine may be a safe and effective acute antidepressant for adolescents, as it improved mood without disrupting sympathetic regulation.