Neural Correlates of the DEEPP (Anti-suicidal Response to Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression) Study: Protocol for a Pilot, Open-Label Clinical Trial.
JMIR Research Protocols January 27, 2023 Yuliya Knyahnytska, Reza Zomorrodi, Tyler S Kaster et al.
Suicide is a leading cause of death, and people with bipolar depression (BD) are at high risk. Ketamine has shown rapid antisuicidal and antidepressant effects, but its biological mechanisms are poorly understood. This open-label clinical trial tests the safety and feasibility of repeated ketamine infusions for acute suicidality in 30 adults with BD, aged 24-65, at a Toronto hospital. Ketamine is given intravenously over 40 minutes twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions). The study also examines neurophysiological markers, such as cortical excitation and inhibition, and effects on suicidality, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Recruitment is ongoing; 5 participants have completed the trial.