Choosing Between Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy for Outpatients With Treatment-Resistant Depression—Advantage Ketamine?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine are both used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but recent reports highlight important considerations when comparing them. This viewpoint examines key issues from several recent studies, including differences in how quickly each treatment works, their side effects, and the practical challenges of administering them. ECT remains highly effective but requires anesthesia and can cause memory problems, while ketamine offers rapid relief but its long-term effects and optimal dosing are still being studied. The authors suggest that neither treatment is clearly superior for all patients, and the choice depends on individual circumstances and preferences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This Viewpoint examines key issues stemming from several recent reports of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) vs ketamine for improving depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).