University of Toronto
4 papers in the library · 5 citations · publishing 2025-2026
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica December 1, 2025 Liyang Yin, A. Imamog ̄lu, Gia Han Le et al. 3 citations
A single intravenous dose of ketamine may reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors recommend future research to test whether combining ketamine with psychotherapy provides additional benefit and to investigate the biological mechanisms that explain symptom relief.
Journal of Psychiatric Research October 30, 2025 Isabella S Ji, M Cheng, Kayla M. Teopiz et al. 2 citations
Esketamine reduces depressive symptoms and improves functioning, especially in workplace settings. Future research should treat functional outcomes as key secondary or co-primary endpoints to better capture recovery in treatment-resistant and major depressive disorder.
Clinical neuropharmacology June 19, 2026 Isabela Heroiu, Gia Han Le, Maria-Christina Sioufi et al.
Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, consistently and significantly reduced obsessive-compulsive disorder symptom severity by up to 50% to 60% across five studies, though the duration of effects ranged from a few hours to six weeks. Ketamine was generally well tolerated. The review included three randomized controlled trials and two open-label trials with variable routes of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, and oral) and dosing frequencies. Further research is needed to optimize ketamine treatment for sustained symptom reduction.
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 28, 2026 Gia Han Le, Sabrina Wong, Danica E. Johnson et al.
The serotonin 5-HT2B receptor sits at a crossroads between potential antidepressant effects in the brain and serious heart valve risks when activated peripherally. This narrative review of preclinical and clinical literature finds that peripheral activation of 5-HT2B receptors causes valvular heart disease through cell proliferation and scarring, as seen with older drugs like fenfluramine and some dopamine agonists. In the brain, the receptor's effects are mixed: astrocytic activation may support metabolism and plasticity, while neuronal blockade can normalize dopamine and glutamate activity. Several approved antidepressant adjuncts (aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, cariprazine) antagonize this receptor without observed heart valve problems. The authors propose developing centrally selective, periphery-sparing 5-HT2B antagonists for treatment-resistant depression, with early cardiac monitoring to ensure safety.