Utilization of Ketamine for Major Depression

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) continues to be a prevalent disease worldwide. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications continue to be prescribed, further research has been conducted toward other treatment modalities. Within the past decade, ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, has been extensively studied as a new treatment for MDD. Recent studies show that ketamine at subanesthetic doses provides antidepressant effects. An extensive overview of the latest statistics of MDD and treatment plans are emphasized, with a review of current medications and their subsequent side effects. However, an important factor to consider with ketamine is dissociation, and given ketamine’s psychotomimetic side effects, it must be reviewed further. Despite such side effects of hallucinations and depersonalization, studies have shown administration achieves rapid and lasting antidepressant effects. The synergistic effects of ketamine are also analyzed with recent studies to summarize the effects of different treatment modalities. A summary of the latest research studies of ketamine as a possible treatment for MDD is provided. By focusing on the evolution of ketamine as a treatment for MDD, physicians can now utilize newer techniques for depression, with better short-term and long-term outcomes for the patients.