KETAMINE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION - A REVIEW ARTICLE
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science June 15, 2026 Olga Szeidl, Joanna Mikołajczyk, Artur Hawajski et al.
Depression involves neurotransmitter dysregulation, HPA axis hyperactivity, neuroinflammation, and impaired neuroplasticity. While first-line treatment combines psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, about 30% of patients develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Subanesthetic intravenous or intranasal ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects within hours, reduces suicidal ideation, and enhances synaptic connectivity through AMPA receptor, BDNF, and mTOR signaling. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) leverages this neuroplastic window to consolidate cognitive and emotional restructuring. Intranasal esketamine has received FDA and EMA approval as adjunctive therapy for TRD. Ketamine is generally well-tolerated, though patient selection, monitoring, and safety protocols are essential. Further large-scale, randomized studies are needed to optimize protocols and understand long-term efficacy.