Emerging Viral Infections (ZIKV, SARS-CoV-2, and MPXV) and Depression: Ketamine and (S, R)-Ketamine as Promising Antidepressants.
Reviews in medical virology May 1, 2025 Qianqian Cao, Ning Zhang, Cuibo Leng et al. 1 citation
Emerging viruses like monkeypox virus and SARS-CoV-2 can cause depression by triggering neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Standard antidepressants often work poorly for post-viral depression. Ketamine and its enantiomers S-ketamine and R-ketamine show promise as rapid-acting antidepressants, especially for treatment-resistant depression. This review describes the mechanisms linking viral infections to depression and the antidepressant actions of ketamine compounds. Preliminary reports suggest effectiveness, but more studies are needed to establish optimal treatment strategies, long-term safety, and clinical integration for depression associated with emerging viral infections.