Ketamine has gained attention for its effective treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation; Despite numerous studies presenting the rapid efficacy, long-term benefit in real-world populations remains poorly characterized. - This study provides real-world evidence that ketamine has long-term benefits in mitigating suicidal ideation in patients with recurrent MDD.

New research addresses a gap in understanding how ketamine’s impact on individual neurons leads to pervasive and profound changes in brain network function.

New research published in Translational Psychiatry sheds light on how ketamine, a drug known for its rapid antidepressant effects, specifically alters brain activity in people with treatment-resistant depression. This detailed investigation into the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex reveals that ketamine’s influence on different regions of this area correlates with notable improvements in depressive and anhedonic symptoms.

Researchers pitted ketamine therapy against electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — the so-called “gold standard” intervention for severe depression.

The study found that ketamine held its own.

Are low serotonin levels really to blame for depression? Probably not, according to an umbrella review of 17 studies. (Molecular Psychiatry)

Repeated intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions significantly reduce symptom severity in individuals with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the improvement is rapid and maintained for several weeks afterwards, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.