Ketamine-assisted meaning-centered psychotherapy for a patient with severe suicidal behavior
Fernando Espí Forcén, Laura Marengo, Maya Behn
Palliative and Supportive Care April 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001304
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA patient with recurrent, severe depression and suicidal ideation improved after receiving meaning-centered psychotherapy combined with ketamine. His scores on a suicide assessment tool improved significantly with this combination. Ketamine is generally well tolerated and can enhance outcomes in patients undergoing meaning-centered psychotherapy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with recurrent and severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideation |
| Interventions | Meaning-centered psychotherapy Ketamine |
| Key finding | Meaning-centered psychotherapy combined with ketamine was an effective treatment for a patient with recurrent and severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. |
Abstract
AbstractThere is a current debate in society as to whether depression can be a terminal illness. Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) and psychedelic medicines have both been shown to treat existential distress in palliative care settings. We are reporting the case of a patient for whom MCP combined with ketamine was an effective treatment for his recurrent and severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. His complex assessment and management of suicide (CAMS) scores improved significantly with this treatment modality. Ketamine is generally well tolerated and can enhance treatment outcomes in patients undergoing MCP.