Ketamine as a Novel Psychopharmacotherapy for Eating Disorders: Evidence and Future Directions.
Anya Ragnhildstveit, Matthew Slayton, Laura Kate Jackson, Madeline Brendle, Sachin Ahuja, Willis Holle, Claire Moore, Kellie Sollars, Paul Seli, Reid Robison
Brain Sciences March 12, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030382 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | ketamine |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Anorexia nervosa Binge eating disorder Bulimia nervosa Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy Pharmacology Psychedelics Treatment |
| Key findings | Ketamine shows therapeutic potential for eating disorders, but evidence is limited to case series and reports on anorexia nervosa. |
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious, life-threatening psychiatric conditions associated with physical and psychosocial impairment, as well as high morbidity and mortality. Given the chronic refractory nature of EDs and the paucity of evidence-based treatments, there is a pressing need to identify novel approaches for this population. The noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antagonist, ketamine, has recently been approved for treatment-resistant depression, exerting rapid and robust antidepressant effects. It is now being investigated for several new indications, including obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic, and substance use disorder, and shows transdiagnostic potential for EDs, particularly among clinical nonresponders. Hence, the aim of this review is to examine contemporary findings on the treatment of EDs with ketamine, whether used as a primary, adjunctive, or combination psychopharmacotherapy. Avenues for future research are also discussed. Overall, results are encouraging and point to therapeutic value; however, are limited to case series and reports on anorexia nervosa. Further empirical research is thus needed to explore ketamine efficacy across ED subgroups, establish safety profiles and optimize dosing, and develop theory-driven, targeted treatment strategies at the individual patient level.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ketamine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms | 2018 | Review | |
| Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant | 2018 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Ketamine Pharmacology: An Update (Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Aspects, Recent Findings) | 2013 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement |
Citations in the library
Cited by 18
- Set and setting predict psychopathology, wellbeing and meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences: a correlational study. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology 2024
- Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research European Eating Disorders Review October 12, 2023
- Ketamine, an Old–New Drug: Uses and Abuses Pharmaceuticals December 21, 2023
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for People with Eating Disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports December 1, 2022
- Perspectives and preliminary experiences of psychedelics for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic scoping review. European Eating Disorders Review September 1, 2024
and 13 more in the library
Cites 41
- A Randomized Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression Archives of General Psychiatry August 1, 2006
- Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant Molecular Psychiatry March 13, 2018
- A Randomized Add-on Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression Archives of General Psychiatry August 1, 2010
- Efficacy of Esketamine Nasal Spray Plus Oral Antidepressant Treatment for Relapse Prevention in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression JAMA Psychiatry June 5, 2019
- Ketamine Pharmacology: An Update (Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Aspects, Recent Findings) CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics April 10, 2013
and 36 more in the library