Ketamine for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how ketamine, a medication, can assist individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by examining changes in brain activity. Researchers believe ketamine may strengthen brain connections and use a special imaging technique to observe these changes. The goal is to determine if these brain changes can lead to better and longer-lasting mood improvements. The trial seeks participants whose depression has not responded to at least two other treatments. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how ketamine works in people, offering participants an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking insights into depression treatment.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that ketamine can be effective and generally well-tolerated for treating depression. Studies have found that ketamine, especially when administered intravenously, can quickly reduce symptoms of depression and even thoughts of suicide. Some individuals experience improvement after just a few treatments.
Regarding safety, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved ketamine for certain types of depression, indicating its safety for those conditions. However, like any treatment, it can have side effects. Common side effects include temporary feelings of disconnection from reality, high blood pressure, and drowsiness.
Overall, ketamine has shown promise for treating depression safely, but individual experiences may vary. It is always important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for depression?
Unlike the standard treatments for Major Depressive Disorder, such as SSRIs or SNRIs that often take weeks to show effects, ketamine has the potential to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours. Ketamine works uniquely by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain, which is a different mechanism of action compared to traditional antidepressants that primarily affect serotonin levels. Researchers are excited about ketamine because of its fast-acting properties and its potential to help patients who have not responded well to other medications.
What evidence suggests that ketamine might be an effective treatment for depression?
Research has shown that ketamine can quickly alleviate depression. In one study, over half of the participants experienced a significant decrease in depression symptoms within 24 hours. Another study found that 55% of people had lasting improvement in their symptoms after ketamine treatment. After just three treatments, 52% of participants saw their severe depression symptoms ease significantly, reaching remission. This trial will further investigate ketamine's effectiveness for rapidly treating major depression, although its long-term effects remain under study.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer R Goldschmied, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
At-home Sleep Recording
Participants complete a 7-day at-home sleep diary to assess sleep patterns prior to ketamine infusion
Treatment
Participants undergo baseline MRI, mood assessments, and receive a 40-minute ketamine infusion followed by post-infusion assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ketamine
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression
Ketamine has a robust and rapid effect on depression, which was seen immediately after the administration of ketamine and sustained at the end of 1 month.
2.
michiganmedicine.org
michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/ketamines-promise-severe-depression-grows-major-questions-remainKetamine's promise for severe depression grows, but major ...
After just three infusions of ketamine over 11 days, 52% of participants saw their severe depression ease so much they achieved remission.
Ketamine versus ECT for Nonpsychotic Treatment ...
These trials showed that remission with ketamine was inferior to that with ECT. Our trial differs from these reports in that it included only ...
4.
news.harvard.edu
news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/05/ketamine-found-effective-in-treatment-resistant-depression/Ketamine found effective in treatment-resistant depression
55 percent of those who received ketamine treatment experienced a sustained improvement in depressive symptoms without major side effects.
The effects of ketamine and esketamine on functional ...
Conclusion. Esketamine alleviates depressive symptoms and improves functioning, notably in workplace domains. Future studies should include functional outcomes ...
Ketamine treatment for depression: a review - PMC
The FDA approved intranasally-administered esketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults in 2019 and for the treatment of major depressive ...
IV Ketamine Shows Rapid Benefits for Suicide Risk ...
A meta-analysis of 26 trials found that IV ketamine rapidly reduced suicidal and depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive episodes.
8.
news.harvard.edu
news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/09/first-study-to-compare-two-ketamine-therapies-for-patients-with-severe-depression/First study to compare ketamine therapies for patients with ...
Both groups showed significant overall decreases in depression severity after the final treatment compared to pretreatment baseline. IV ketamine ...
Ketamine for Depression in Serious Illness: Evidence, Safety ...
Though data are less robust in the serious illness context, ketamine appears to be safe among individuals with comorbid serious illnesses (particularly cancer) ...
Comparative safety and tolerability of ketamine ...
Ketamine and esketamine have demonstrated rapid, short-term antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder (MDD), but their relative safety ...
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