Ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 332 million people worldwide. Among those diagnosed with MDD, approximately 53% receive pharmacologic treatment, such as ketamine. Nurses must be knowledgeable about ketamine and other emerging, effective behavioral health therapies used to treat chronically depressed mood and acute suicidal ideation. This article outlines the best nursing practices for using ketamine in the behavioral health setting, focusing on off-label ketamine infusion continuation therapy for treatment-resistant MDD and acute suicidal ideation and behaviors. Special attention is paid to using ketamine as an adjuvant versus primary treatment.