Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
January 3, 2024
Alice Lineham, Victor J. Avila‐quintero, Michael H. Bloch et al.
15 citations
Ketamine works as a rapid antidepressant for some but not all patients. In adolescents with treatment-resistant depression, those who had tried fewer antidepressant medications and augmentation treatments, had a shorter current depressive episode, and were currently taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (rather than a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) were more likely to experience symptom improvement one and seven days after a single dose of ketamine. These findings are preliminary due to the small sample and multiple analyses, and more research is needed before using such predictors in clinical practice.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
October 1, 2021
David S. Mathai, Alexis G. McCathern, Andrew G. Guzick et al.
14 citations
Parents of adolescents show high acceptability toward using ketamine to treat suicidality, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, despite the drug not being FDA-approved for psychiatric use in children. In a survey of 283 English-speaking parents, primary concerns included potential side effects and lack of FDA approval. Parents preferred short-term applications and less invasive routes of administration. A parent's own history of mental illness, familiarity with psychological treatments, and comfort using other mental health interventions for their children predicted greater acceptability. The findings indicate parental interest in ketamine as a treatment for pediatric mood disorders, pointing to future research and clinical directions.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
January 6, 2025
Isabella Sutherland, Ming‐fen Ho, Paul E. Croarkin
10 citations
Interest in psychedelic therapies for adults is growing, with substances like MDMA for PTSD, psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, and LSD for generalized anxiety disorder showing promise. However, research on these therapies in children and adolescents is limited, with no recent trials. Adolescents may still experiment with these substances recreationally or therapeutically as accessibility increases, raising significant concerns due to their vulnerability. The authors advocate for structured, safe, and well-controlled exploration of psychedelic therapies in adolescents.