Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Elevated Plus Maze Test Combined with Video Tracking Software to Investigate the Anxiolytic Effect of Exogenous Ketogenic Supplements
Published on: January 7, 2019
Use of Ketamine in Elderly Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Carolina Medeiros da Frota Ribeiro1, Patricio Riva-Posse2
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 12 Executive Park Dr., suite 500, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the use of ketamine as an antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in the geriatric population. Available treatment options for late-life treatment-resistant depression are limited and include electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation as well as possible pharmacologic augmentation. Ketamine has been shown to be a promising treatment in TRD; however, data regarding the use of ketamine in the elderly includes only five case reports.
Recent Findings:
We discuss the use of ketamine for late-life TRD and present two cases where ketamine led to a significant and sustained improvement in depressive symptoms. Ketamine is a promising treatment for geriatric patients with TRD. Further studies in the elderly will provide valuable insights into the use of ketamine for a population much in need of safe and effective treatments for TRD.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

