Ketamine Therapy in Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Review
Asif Khan, Satyaveer *, Shrikant K. Nair, Deepali Gaikwad Joseph
Journal of Psychiatric Nursing August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.21088/jpn.2277.9035.14225.4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressant Depression economics Nmda receptor Safety profile Intensive care medicine Anesthesia Clinical trial Anesthetic agent Antagonist |
| Key findings | Argues that ketamine shows rapid antidepressant properties for treatment-resistant depression but raises ethical, regulatory, and long-term safety concerns. |
Abstract
Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic agent, has garnered attention for its rapid acting antidepressant properties, particularly in patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD). The compound’s unique pharmacological profile primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist has enabled its repositioning in psychiatric settings, where conventional antidepressants often fall short. This review delves into the evolving role of ketamine in psychiatry, examining its mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, clinical efficacy, safety concerns, and emerging trends in the field. While ketamine therapy offers promise, its use raises ethical, regulatory, and long-term safety considerations that require continued research and careful implementation.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ketamine for depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: a paradigm shift for depression research and treatment | 2019 | Review | |
| Rapid‐acting antidepressant ketamine, its metabolites and other candidates: A historical overview and future perspective | 2019 | Review | |
| Ketamine: A tale of two enantiomers | 2020 | Review | |
| Molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of arketamine: beyond the NMDA receptor | 2021 | Review |