Role of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression
Journal of Education Health and Sport April 5, 2025 Joanna Dmochowska, Marcin Ciechański, Joanna Cieszkowska et al. 1 citation
Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Current monoamine-based antidepressants often have delayed effects and low efficacy, with over 60% of patients not achieving lasting remission. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has shown rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression, by modulating the glutamatergic system, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and involving other systems like GABA and serotonin. Clinical trials demonstrate ketamine can reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation within hours, unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks. The intravenous route is most effective. Ketamine's potential for addiction and side effects, including dissociative symptoms and cardiovascular issues, require careful monitoring.