Subcutaneous ketamine reduces suicide risk and improves functioning in depression: A proof-of-concept study.
Psychiatry research July 1, 2024 Ana Paula Anzolin, Daniel Prates Baldez, Bruno Braga Montezano et al. 2 citations
Subcutaneous ketamine substantially reduced suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms in patients with severe depression. In a naturalistic study at a Brazilian hospital, 26 patients with a current depressive episode received adjustable ketamine doses starting at 0.5 mg/kg. After about eight sessions, most patients achieved remission of suicidal ideation, as measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Higher ketamine doses were associated with greater improvements in depression, suicidal ideation, and overall functioning. Improvements were sustained over six months of follow-up in 18 patients. Side effects were minor and short-lived. The findings suggest subcutaneous ketamine is a promising, well-tolerated, and potentially cost-effective treatment for severe depression with suicidal tendencies, warranting further controlled trials.