Depression is a psychiatric mood disorder that affects over 16 million people each year. However, treating depression still remains a challenge, as not everyone responds to conventional medications or therapies. A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has shown that ketamine (D-Cycloserine), a commonly used anesthetic, may be effective in treating depression. The study included 56 participants (30 control and 26 with treatment-resistant depression) receiving three ketamine infusions over a week.
The participants continued to be on their regular antidepressant treatment during the study. Using ketamine as an adjunct along with transcranial magnetic (theta-burst) stimulation helped patients update their negative beliefs with a decline in depressive symptoms four hours after taking the drug. The study expands the horizons for new treatment strategies for people with depression, with…
