Effects of Ketamine and Esketamine on Cognitive Functions in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar September 30, 2025 Mahir Mutlu, Çağrı Öven, Bilge Sena Kurt et al.
Ketamine and esketamine show potential for treating treatment-resistant depression and improving certain cognitive functions, though effects depend on dose and duration. Randomized controlled trials indicate that a 0.5 mg/kg ketamine infusion improves visual memory, processing speed, working memory, and attention in patients who respond. However, long-term ketamine use may harm spatial working memory. Esketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, provides rapid antidepressant effects and stabilizes or improves cognition, but high doses may be neurotoxic and impair cognition. Both drugs require more research on long-term safety.