The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
July 6, 2026
Shabah M. Shadli, Neda Nasrollahi, Calvin K. Young et al.
BACKGROUND: Neurotic disorders - major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and specific phobia - have differing pharmaceutical profiles. But all, even when resistant to conventional treatment (TR), respond quickly to low dose (0.5-1.0 mg/kg I.M.) ketamine....
J Clin Pharmacol
June 1, 2026
Paul Glue, Ben Beaglehole
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for anesthesia in 1970. The only other related US regulatory approval since then has been for esketamine nasal spray for depression in 2019. Over this time ketamine has been repurposed by mainly academic researchers, reporting clinical activity...
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
February 1, 2026
Neil McNaughton, Shabah M. Shadli, Ben Beaglehole et al.
The neurotic disorders (e.g., depression, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) are costly and difficult to treat. Diagnosis is based on symptoms not biological causes. Here, we summarize New Zealand-based work developing EEG biomarkers and novel treatments. Working at the...
BJPsych Open
October 1, 2025
Ben Beaglehole, Paul Glue, Shona Neehoff et al.
5 citations
We provide preliminary support for the efficacy and tolerability of i.m. ketamine in a community sample of individuals with PTSD. Further work is required to establish the optimal dosing regimen and longer-term role of ketamine in treatment of PTSD, but our findings are encouraging given the well-known of treatments in this area.
New Zealand Medical Journal
September 15, 2025
Ben Beaglehole, Jenni Manuel
aim: To provide a balanced account of psilocybin treatment of depression for expectations to be appropriately set. method: Review and discussion of key psilocybin efficacy studies. Reporting of side effects and risk of harm with psychedelic treatments. Comparisons and contrasts with ketamine studies of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). result: Early psilocybin studies offer promise but...
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
June 5, 2025
Ben Beaglehole, Paul Glue, Shona Neehoff et al.
19 citations
We previously completed a double-blind randomised crossover study assessing intramuscular ketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TR-D), post-traumatic stress disorder (TR-PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (TR-OCD). Here, we report an extension study to explore the ongoing benefits and tolerability of maintenance oral ketamine. All participants from the original study were eligible...
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
2025
Ben Beaglehole, Paul Glue, Shona Neehoff et al.
12 citations
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may respond to ketamine treatment. To examine the responsiveness and tolerability of treatment-refractory OCD to intramuscular (IM) ketamine compared to IM fentanyl. This was a randomised double-blind psychoactive-controlled study with single doses of racemic ketamine 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg or fentanyl 50 µg (psychoactive control). Pre-dosing with 4 mg oral...
BMJ Open
May 1, 2024
Ben Beaglehole, Richard Porter, Katie Douglas et al.
5 citations
Although short-term benefits follow parenteral ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD), there are challenges that prevent routine use of ketamine by clinicians. These include acute dissociative effects of parenteral ketamine, high relapse rates following ketamine dosing and the uncertain role of psychotherapy. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) seeks to establish...
BJPsych Open
October 13, 2023
Ben Beaglehole, Paul Glue, Mike Clarke et al.
9 citations
Background The evidence base for racemic ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD) continues to expand, but there are major challenges translating this evidence base into routine clinical care. Aim To prepare guidelines for ketamine treatment of TRD that are suitable for routine use by publicly funded specialist mental health services. Method We consulted with...