The impact of ketamine on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in trauma-exposed populations: a narrative review.

Ketamine, a drug used in emergency medicine for pain and sedation, has a complex relationship with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A single low-dose infusion (0.5 mg/kg) can reduce PTSD symptoms within 24 hours compared to midazolam, without lasting dissociative effects. However, some observational studies link ketamine use in acute trauma care to heightened dissociation, hyperarousal, and stress symptoms early on. Research on burn patients suggests intraoperative ketamine may reduce PTSD incidence, though one later study found no difference from controls. Effects appear to depend on dose and timing: perioperative use may be protective, while immediate post-trauma administration could worsen dissociative and stress responses. Further trials are needed to refine dosing and identify patient-specific risk factors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is widely used in trauma and emergency medicine for its rapid analgesic and sedative properties. While its efficacy in acute pain management is well established, concerns persist regarding its long-term psychological effects, particularly its potential role in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some studies indicate that ketamine may provide rapid symptom relief in PTSD, whereas others raise concerns about its contribution to dissociative states and maladaptive memory consolidation. This narrative review examines existing literature on ketamine's influence on PTSD symptomatology in trauma-exposed populations. A comprehensive assessment of randomized controlled trials and observational studies was undertaken to explore ketamine's effects on dissociation, memory processing, and long-term psychiatric outcomes. Relevant studies were identified from major medical databases, and findings were synthesized to present an integrated overview of ketamine's psychological impact in trauma care settings. Clinical trials suggest that a single intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) may significantly reduce PTSD symptoms within 24 hours compared to midazolam, with improvements in overall clinical presentation and no lasting dissociative effects. Conversely, some observational studies have linked ketamine use in acute trauma care to heightened dissociation, hyperarousal, and stress symptoms during early follow-up. Research on burn patients receiving intraoperative ketamine suggests a possible reduction in PTSD incidence, although a later study reported no significant difference compared with non-ketamine controls. The relationship between ketamine and PTSD is complex, with effects appearing to depend on dose and timing of administration. While perioperative ketamine may confer protective benefits against long-term psychiatric sequelae, immediate post-trauma administration may worsen dissociative symptoms and acute stress responses. Further well-controlled clinical trials are needed to refine dosing protocols and identify patient-specific risk factors, including preexisting psychiatric conditions, to better guide its use.