The Effects of Ketamine on Cognition in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review and Priority Avenues for Future Research.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews November 23, 2020 H. Gill, Barjot Gill, Nelson B Rodrigues et al. 92 citations
About 40% of people with major depressive disorder have cognitive impairments, and those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often show such deficits. Ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, may help. A systematic review of five studies found that a single low-dose intravenous infusion (0.5 mg/kg) did not worsen cognitive function. Some studies reported improvements in working memory and visual learning after ketamine treatment, while gains in processing speed and verbal learning occurred only in anxious TRD patients. The evidence suggests ketamine may have pro-cognitive effects in TRD, but more research is needed.