Ketamine in the treatment of bipolar depression

Ketamine appears to be an alternative treatment for bipolar depression when first- and second-line medications are not effective, according to a review of six clinical trials published between 2010 and 2021. Bipolar depression is the most common mood state in bipolar disorder, yet few studies have focused on its treatment. The review examined evidence on ketamine used either as an adjuvant or as monotherapy. The results suggest ketamine may be effective, but future studies are needed to confirm this.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Bipolar depression is the most prevalent state throughout the life of the bipolar patient, even so, few studies have focused on the treatment of depression in this population. Between the available medications approved for treatment of bipolar depression, ketamine is an option that must be considered. The purpose of this paper was to review the scientific evidence on the efficacy of using ketamine to treat bipolar depression either as an adjuvant or as monotherapy. This review used data collected from clinical trials published on PUBMED between 2010 and 2021. In total, six studies were found. The results show that ketamine appears to be an alternative treatment for bipolar depression if medications considered as first and second line are not effective, although future studies are necessary.