The potential of ketamine for posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of clinical evidence.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology January 1, 2023 Anya Ragnhildstveit, Jeremy Roscoe, Lisa C Bass et al. 49 citations
PTSD has few effective pharmacological treatments, and trauma-focused psychotherapies are limited by provider shortages and low patient engagement, often leading to chronic illness and reduced quality of life. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist already indicated for major depression with rapid antidepressant effects, shows transdiagnostic potential. A synthesis of clinical evidence—including case reports, chart reviews, open-label studies, and randomized trials—reveals high heterogeneity in presentation and treatment approach but encouraging signals of safety, efficacy, and durability. Future research directions are discussed.