Ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation: Nursing care and considerations.
Rebecca Ann Ivory, Kathryn M Pate, Brentyn M Jones, Samuel C Lindberg, Jennifer Graber, B Christopher Frueh
Nursing December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/NSG.0000000000000306 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMajor depressive disorder affects around 332 million people globally, and about 53% of those diagnosed receive pharmacologic treatment, including ketamine. Nurses need to understand ketamine and other emerging therapies for chronic depression and acute suicidal thoughts. This article describes best nursing practices for using ketamine in behavioral health settings, particularly off-label ketamine infusion continuation therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and acute suicidal ideation and behaviors. It emphasizes whether ketamine is used as an adjuvant or primary treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine infusion continuation therapy |
| Topics | Depression Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Behavioral health Suicidal ideation Veterans |
| Key finding | Best nursing practices for ketamine infusion continuation therapy in behavioral health settings focus on its use for treatment-resistant MDD and acute suicidal ideation, with attention to adjuvant versus primary treatment roles. |
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 332 million people worldwide. Among those diagnosed with MDD, approximately 53% receive pharmacologic treatment, such as ketamine. Nurses must be knowledgeable about ketamine and other emerging, effective behavioral health therapies used to treat chronically depressed mood and acute suicidal ideation. This article outlines the best nursing practices for using ketamine in the behavioral health setting, focusing on off-label ketamine infusion continuation therapy for treatment-resistant MDD and acute suicidal ideation and behaviors. Special attention is paid to using ketamine as an adjuvant versus primary treatment.