Ketamine for rapid reduction of suicidal ideation: a randomized controlled trial
Psychological Medicine August 12, 2015 James W. Murrough, Laili Soleimani, Kaitlin E. DeWilde et al. 297 citations
A single infusion of ketamine, compared to midazolam as an active placebo, did not reduce suicidal ideation scores on the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation at 24 hours in patients with mood and anxiety disorders who were at elevated risk for suicidal behavior. A significant difference favoring ketamine emerged at 48 hours, but the effect was no longer significant by the end of 7 days. The intervention was well tolerated with no dropouts during the primary assessment period. The findings support the safety and tolerability of ketamine for suicidal ideation but larger studies are needed.