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Ragnhildstveit A, Roscoe J, Bass LC, Averill CL, Abdallah CG, Averill LA. The potential of ketamine for posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of clinical evidence. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231154125. [PMID: 36895431 PMCID: PMC9989422 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231154125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating condition, for which there are few pharmacological agents, often with a delayed onset of action and poor efficacy. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are further limited by few trained providers and low patient engagement. This frequently results in disease chronicity as well as psychiatric and medical comorbidity, with considerable negative impact on quality of life. As such, off-label interventions are commonly used for PTSD, particularly in chronic refractory cases. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor antagonist, has recently been indicated for major depression, exhibiting rapid and robust antidepressant effects. It also shows transdiagnostic potential for an array of psychiatric disorders. Here, we synthesize clinical evidence on ketamine in PTSD, spanning case reports, chart reviews, open-label studies, and randomized trials. Overall, there is high heterogeneity in clinical presentation and pharmacological approach, yet encouraging signals of therapeutic safety, efficacy, and durability. Avenues for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Ragnhildstveit
- Integrated Research Literacy Group, Draper, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy Roscoe
- Integrated Research Literacy Group, Draper, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lisa C Bass
- Integrated Research Literacy Group, Draper, UT, USA.,Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L Averill
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chadi G Abdallah
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lynnette A Averill
- Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Avenue, 4-E-187, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
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Bahji A, Zarate CA, Vazquez GH. Efficacy and safety of racemic ketamine and esketamine for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:853-866. [PMID: 35231204 PMCID: PMC9949988 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2047928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racemic ketamine and esketamine have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects. We aimed to review the efficacy and safety of racemic and esketamine for depression. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a PRISMA-guided review for relevant randomized controlled trials of racemic or esketamine for unipolar or bipolar major depression from database inception through 2021. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses using pooled rate ratios (RRs) and Cohen's standardized mean differences (d) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We found 36 studies (2903 participants, 57% female, 45.1 +/- 7.0 years). Nine trials used esketamine, while the rest used racemic ketamine. The overall study quality was high. Treatment with any form of ketamine was associated with improved response (RR=2.14; 95% CI, 1.72-2.66; I2=65%), remission (RR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.33-2.02; I2=39%), and depression severity (d=-0.63; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.45; I2=78%) against placebo. Overall, there was no association between treatment with any form of ketamine and retention in treatment (RR=1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01; I2<1%), dropouts due to adverse events (RR=1.56; 95% CI, 1.00-2.45; I2<1%), or the overall number of adverse events reported per participant (OR=2.14; 95% CI, 0.82-5.60; I2=62%) against placebo. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine and esketamine are effective, safe, and acceptable treatments for individuals living with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Bahji
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gustavo H. Vazquez
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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