Ketamine for Clinical Depression

Anesthesiologist Joe had written a rather detailed article on the use of Ketamine for depression. Joe did such a good job translating the science jargon into plain English that I don’t want to regurgitate what he wrote here. I will, however, summarize for you the key points, so you know what to expect when you hop over to read Joe’s “BehindTheMedspeak: Ketamine for depression?”

  1. Ketamine is a controlled substance and an anesthetic drug.
  2. In a clinical trial referenced by Dr. Joe, patients’ depression improved, some within a matter of hours of receiving Ketamine. This improvement was lasting beyond one week after receiving drug.
  3. Unfortunately there were only 18 patients in the study, which in the medical world warrants this conclusion: “more studies are needed.”

Dr. Joe references this Washington Post article on the study.

August 17, 2006 | Filed Under Clinical Studies, Depression, Treatment 

Comments

2 Responses to “Ketamine for Clinical Depression”

  1. sophie on May 9th, 2007 2:07 am

    what help is Available for people suffering clinical depression? is there any call centres, online help or a local centre you can go to in Brisbane?

  2. Jane Chin, Ph.D. on May 22nd, 2007 1:47 pm

    Dear Sophie,

    You may want to try this site and contact for additional information on support groups and local chapters:

    http://tinyurl.com/2abpwz

    Jane

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