Electroencephalography and Magnetoencephalography Signatures of Ketamine Treatment in Depression: A Literature Review
Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology Journal July 11, 2024 DOI: 10.26685/urncst.610 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with depression who received ketamine treatment and underwent EEG or MEG |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Depression Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key findings | Across the reviewed studies, a largely consistent EEG profile emerged after ketamine treatment in depression: decreased theta, alpha, and low beta power and increased high beta and gamma power, primarily in frontal regions. The authors propose EEG may serve as a tool for mechanistic treatment monitoring, while cautioning that the evidence base is not comprehensive and requires larger, more age-diverse studies. |
Abstract
Introduction: Ketamine has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects. In addition, the use of EEG in depression offers a new approach to diagnose patients. It is necessary to understand locational-based EEG and MEG changes following ketamine in patients with depression to establish a potential biomarker panel. This study sought to identify consistent changes in band power as well as to highlight brain regions of interest.
Methods: This review examines studies published in the last 25 years that have trialed ketamine treatment in patients with depression and that utilize EEG or MEG. The studies report on spectral power changes in different bands as well as asymmetry, theta cordance, complexity, event-related potentials, and sleep studies.
Discussion: Resting state was the most reported. An EEG profile was identified of decreased theta, alpha, low beta and increased high beta and gamma following ketamine treatment, primarily in frontal regions. Although the antidepressant effects of ketamine are clear, the EEG research available on ketamine treatment in patients with depression is not comprehensive. Further research in more diverse age groups and larger studies is necessary as well as on the underlying ketamine mechanisms of affecting power bands.
Conclusion: Overall, a largely consistent EEG profile of decreased theta, alpha, low beta and increased high beta and gamma following ketamine treatment was identified primarily in frontal regions. Thus, EEG may be a useful tool for mechanistic treatment monitoring in depression patients subject to ketamine therapy.