Overview of ketamine for major depression: efficacy and effectiveness

Abstract

Abstract Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world; however, a large proportion of individuals fail to respond to conventional antidepressant treatments. In recent years, the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has gained increasing popularity for its potent and rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression. In this chapter, an overview of the evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of ketamine will be discussed. First, the findings from animal studies will be reviewed. Next, the results of small open-label studies and non-randomized trials will be synthesized as well as evidence for ketamine’s anti-suicidality properties. Finally, clinical trial evidence will be reviewed alongside a discourse involving the potential therapeutic mechanisms of ketamine.