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M. Berk

2 papers in the library · 764 citations · publishing 2021-2023

Papers

Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation

American Journal of Psychiatry March 17, 2021 R. Mcintyre, J. Rosenblat, C. Nemeroff et al. 694 citations

Ketamine and esketamine are the first non-monoamine-based antidepressants with rapid-onset efficacy for adults with treatment-resistant depression, offering hope to those who do not recover fully with standard antidepressants. However, concerns remain about their safety, tolerability, and appropriate placement in treatment algorithms. An international group of mood disorder experts synthesizes evidence on efficacy, safety, and tolerability, and provides guidance for clinical implementation, including practice parameters at point of care. Areas of consensus and future research directions are discussed.

Efficacy and safety of a 4-week course of repeated subcutaneous ketamine injections for treatment-resistant depression (KADS study): randomised double-blind active-controlled trial

British Journal of Psychiatry July 14, 2023 Colleen Loo, N. Glozier, D. Barton et al. 70 citations

In a phase 3 trial across seven mood disorders centers in Australia and New Zealand, subcutaneous racemic ketamine was tested against midazolam for treatment-resistant depression. With flexible dosing (0.5–0.9 mg/kg), ketamine led to a 19.6% remission rate compared to 2.0% for midazolam, a significant difference. Fixed dosing (0.5 mg/kg) showed no difference. Acute side effects, such as psychotomimetic effects and blood pressure increases, resolved within two hours. The subcutaneous route proved practical and feasible.