Effect of Ketamine Treatment on Social Withdrawal in Autism and Autism-Like Conditions.
Megan Ralston, Alim Osman, Pavan Suryadevara, Elissa Cleland
Clinical neuropharmacology DOI: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000591 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA review of the current literature on ketamine for social withdrawal in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found only two original studies and five case reports. The two studies showed mixed results: esketamine produced no statistically significant improvement, while intravenous ketamine alleviated social withdrawal symptoms, especially in the short term. Neither study reported many serious adverse events. The five case reports indicated decreased depressive symptoms and some evidence of improved social functioning. Evidence for improved social condition exists, but research is limited, and further studies with larger samples and varied doses and administration methods are needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | ketamine esketamine |
| Keywords | Autism treatment Ketamine therapy Mental health research Social behavior Neuroscience |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Evidence of improved social condition with ketamine for ASD exists, but results are mixed and limited by small sample sizes and few studies. |
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine have been used in the field of psychiatry to alleviate conditions such as major depressive disorder. Our objective was to evaluate the current literature on the use of ketamine for symptoms of social withdrawal in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism-like conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted to identify literature involving the use of ketamine to treat symptoms of autism and social withdrawal. Patients with comorbid disorders were also included. Two original studies were found, showing mixed results on the use of ketamine for ASD. The use of esketamine found no statistically significant results, whereas the use of intravenous ketamine was shown to alleviate symptoms of social withdrawal especially in the short term. Neither study reported a significant amount of serious adverse events. Five case reports were also included, showing decreased depressive symptoms and evidence of increased social condition. Research on the use of ketamine for ASD and ASD-related conditions is limited. Evidence of improved social condition exists, but further studies should be conducted to increase sample power and test various doses and methods of administration.