Ketamine intravenous infusion at 0.5 mg/kg produced antidepressant response rates exceeding 50% within 2-24 hours in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Emerging therapies like ketamine and neuromodulation offer rapid and effective alternatives for patients with depression who do not respond to traditional monoaminergic antidepressants.
Effect estimate: Response rate >50%
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and disabling psychiatric illnesses worldwide and represents a substantial public health challenge across all age groups. Epidemiological evidence indicates that hundreds of millions of individuals are affected globally, contributing significantly to years lived with disability and loss of productivity.1,2 Beyond the emotional burden experienced by patients, depression is associated with impaired social functioning, reduced quality of life, increased healthcare utilization, and heightened risk of comorbid medical disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain syndromes.3 Importantly, depression remains a major risk factor for suicide and premature mortality, further emphasizing the urgency of effective therapeutic strategies.4 For several decades, pharmacological management has centered primarily on monoaminergic antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin– norepinephrine
*1Kalangi Kujitha, 2B.Venkata Lakshmi, 3L. Sahana, 4Dr. M. Tabithasharon, 5Dr. K. Padmalatha (Sun,) conducted a review in Patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Ketamine intravenous infusion vs. Placebo or standard antidepressants was evaluated on Antidepressant response rate within 2-24 hours post-infusion (Response rate >50%). Ketamine intravenous infusion at 0.5 mg/kg produced antidepressant response rates exceeding 50% within 2-24 hours in patients with treatment-resistant depression.