Long-Term Effects of Single and Repeated Ketamine Infusions on Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Retrospective Chart Review Study

For people with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine infusions may provide lasting relief from depressive symptoms. A retrospective chart review examined 14 patients who received either a single high-dose (1 mg/kg) intravenous ketamine infusion or six repeated infusions. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) before treatment and again 30 days after the last infusion. The results suggest that ketamine can be an effective and enduring intervention for treatment-resistant depression, offering a valuable option when other treatments have failed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a substantial public health burden with limited treatment options. Recent evidence suggests that single and repeated-dose ketamine infusions have rapid and significant antidepressant effects on individuals with TRD. Few studies have compared single or repeated (6) ketamine infusions past 14 days post-treatment. This retrospective chart review study investigated the long-term effects of single (n = 9) and repeated (6) (n = 5) high-dose (1 mg/kg) intravenous ketamine infusions on TRD 30 days post-infusion(s) (N = 14). Changes in depressive symptoms were measured by comparing Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scores pre- and 30 days post-treatment for an understanding of long-term efficacy in clinical practice. Results indicated that ketamine has the potential to be an effective and enduring intervention for TRD, adding treatment and management options that are currently limited.