The role of dissociation in ketamine's antidepressant effects.
Elizabeth D. Ballard, Carlos A. Zarate
Nat Commun December 22, 2020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20190-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Ketamine therapy Ketamine treatment Antidepressant ketamine Dissociation Dissociative state Detachment Depression treatment Mood improvement Symptom relief Rapid antidepressant effects Lasting antidepressant effects Therapeutic mechanism Mechanism of action Treatment efficacy Therapeutic link |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key points | Argues that current literature does not support the conclusion that dissociation is necessary for antidepressant response to ketamine. |
Abstract
Ketamine produces immediate antidepressant effects and has inspired research into next-generation treatments. Ketamine also has short term dissociative effects, in which individuals report altered consciousness and perceptions of themselves and their environment. However, whether ketamine's dissociative side effects are necessary for its antidepressant effects remains unclear. This perspective examines the relationship between dissociative effects and acute and longer-lasting antidepressant response to ketamine and other N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Presently, the literature does not support the conclusion that dissociation is necessary for antidepressant response to ketamine. However, further work is needed to explore the relationship between dissociation and antidepressant response at the molecular, biomarker, and psychological levels.