The Effect of Ketamine infusions on suicidal ideation in various mood disorders
Muhammad Bin Mobin, Zainab Abid, Sameen Saqib
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association December 20, 2025 DOI: 10.47391/jpma.21482 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Dose | low doses |
| Topics | Depression Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Suicidal ideation Borderline personality disorder Mood disorders Intervention counseling Clinical psychology Affect linguistics Mechanism biology |
| Key findings | Low-dose intravenous ketamine rapidly reduces suicidal ideation in patients with borderline personality disorder and major depressive disorder, and also alleviates mood dysregulation and impulsive behavior. |
Abstract
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterised by altered perception of self, mood changes, and suicidal ideation. The traditional treatments of BPD, including psychotherapy, fail to provide an immediate response in susceptible patients. However, recent literature has shed light on the use of Ketamine as intervention for suicidal ideation in BPD patients, as well as for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Studies have shown that administering low doses of Ketamine intravenously has profound impact on reducing suicidality in susceptible patients. The mechanism of action of Ketamine is thought to be its regulation of neurotrophic factors, hence, eliciting a rapid response. Furthermore, Ketamine has also proved beneficial in alleviating other symptoms of BPD including mood dysregulation and impulsive behaviour. Provided the evidence, Ketamine could revolutionise the emergency management of suicidality; however, further research is required to establish its dose, safety, and contraindications.