Rapid Resolution of Grief with IV Infusion of Ketamine: A Unique Phenomenological Experience.
Mahesh Ramanna Gowda, Preethi Srinivasa, Prabha S Kumbar, Vinay Hosagavi Ramalingaiah, Chandrashekar Muthyalappa, Sumit Durgoji
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine 2016 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.175121 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 28-year-old graduate male with complicated grief following his wife's death from obstetric complications |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressant Grief Rapid resolution |
| Key findings | The authors report that a single intravenous ketamine infusion produced a distinctive phenomenological experience in a man with complicated grief and, in their account, resolved his grief within minutes. They argue this case highlights ketamine's therapeutic promise for complicated grief, while noting the prior absence of literature on this use. |
Abstract
Ketamine, a primarily FDA-approved anaesthetic agent is also used as recreational drug. Based on preclinical findings and later the clinical observations it is noted to have rapid antidepressant effect due to its mechanisms related to NMDA antagonism. In spite of established evidence of ketamine being effective in depression with significant role in treatment resistant cases as well, there was absolute dearth of literature regarding its utility in grief-related disorders. In this context we present a case of 28-year-old graduate male who presented to us in complicated grief following death of his wife due to obstetric complications. With the patient and immediate family members consenting for use of ketamine as off-label use, patient had single IV infusion of ketamine following which he had unique phenomenological experience ultimately resolving his grief in few minutes. Through this case we highlight the enormous therapeutic promise of ketamine in complicated grief.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- A historical review of antidepressant effects of ketamine and its enantiomers. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior February 5, 2020
- Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying May 30, 2017
- Ketamine for catatonia: A novel treatment for an old clinical challenge? A systematic review of the evidence. Schizophrenia Research September 1, 2024
- How Do People Who Undergo Ketamine Treatment for a Psychiatric Problem Subjectively Experience This Intervention? A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing February 1, 2025
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