Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation and ketamine: a case report.
S Asad, K Latifzai, V T Eliopoulos, D S Oakley, J Pates, G Towers
Journal of Medical Case Reports December 24, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04972-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Two patients: a 56-year-old Caucasian male with chronic PTSD and suicidal ideation, and a 52-year-old Caucasian female with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Ketamine infusions |
| Duration | 18 months for the male patient (nine infusions), one month for the female patient (five infusions) |
| Topics | Depression Ketamine PTSD Esketamine |
| Keywords | Case report Electroencephalogram Ketamine therapy Mental health treatment Depression & PTSD Clinical neuroscience Case studies |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Ketamine infusions led to significant and sustained symptom improvement in both patients, accompanied by distinct electrophysiological changes that persisted for months. |
Abstract
Ketamine treatment presents a novel approach for addressing refractory conditions, such as major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, and posttraumatic stress disorder, which often co-occur and pose significant challenges for clinicians. This study explores the clinical and electrophysiological outcomes of ketamine treatment in two cases, shedding light on its potential efficacy and mechanisms of action. The first case involves a 56-year-old Caucasian male with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation, and the second case involves a 52-year-old Caucasian female with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Both patients opted for ketamine treatment after years of unsuccessful interventions. The male patient received nine ketamine infusions over 18 months, while the female patient received five infusions over one month. Symptom improvement was accompanied by distinct electrophysiological changes, as observed through electroencephalogram and evoked electroencephalogram responses. These changes persisted for several months post-treatment, offering hope for individuals grappling with challenging chronic conditions. Ketamine infusions resulted in significant and sustained symptomatic improvement in both cases, accompanied by distinct electrophysiological changes indicative of altered brain function. These findings highlight the potential of ketamine as an alternative treatment for refractory conditions, such as major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, offering relief and functional recovery for certain patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.