A long, strange trip: Ketamine treatment in psychiatry.
David Nutt, Celia J. A. Morgan, David Erritzøe, Kyle T. Greenway, Allan H. Young
J Psychopharmacol October 27, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/02698811251379393 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractKetamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a promising treatment for severe depression and other psychiatric conditions, particularly in patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. The compound can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours, which contrasts with conventional antidepressants that may take weeks to work. This surprising discovery has opened a new frontier in mental health treatment, offering hope for those with challenging mood disorders. However, the use of ketamine in psychiatry also raises concerns about its potential for abuse and long-term side effects, necessitating careful clinical oversight.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Powerful compound Anesthetic Psychiatry Mental health treatment |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Argues that ketamine offers a rapid-acting treatment for depression but that further research is required to determine its long-term safety and optimal use. |
Abstract
A long, strange trip: Ketamine treatment in psychiatry.