Ketamine treatment alleviates suicide ideation in high-risk populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences January 1, 2026 Wen Tang, Wei-Wei Jiang, Wen-Qian Que et al.
Ketamine treatment significantly reduces suicide ideation in high-risk individuals, with a large effect size of -1.40 based on a meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 927 participants. The effect is more pronounced in younger individuals and those with severe ideation. Common adverse events include dissociation (38.8%), nausea (31.6%), dizziness (24.7%), headache (22.0%), and anxiety (15.8%). The evidence is rated low quality, and further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term effects.