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Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Ketamine and Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Jennifer K Lent1, Albert Arredondo2, Marilyn A Pugh3
1is the chief nurse anesthetist at Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, Alaska. The author was a student in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, at the time this article was written.
AANA Journal
|October 16, 2019
Summary
Subanesthetic ketamine infusions show promise for treatment-resistant depression, significantly reducing symptoms short-term. Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety, including optimal dosing for ketamine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder impacts millions, with a significant portion experiencing treatment resistance.
- Limited effective options exist for treatment-resistant depression beyond electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the efficacy of subanesthetic ketamine infusions for treating patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- To synthesize current evidence on ketamine's antidepressant effects and tolerability.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.
- Analysis of short-term and long-term efficacy data.
- Assessment of ketamine infusion tolerability and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests ketamine significantly decreases depression severity at short-term assessments.
- Long-term efficacy data for ketamine treatment is currently lacking.
- Ketamine infusion therapy was generally well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Ketamine infusions represent a promising avenue for treatment-resistant depression.
- Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish long-term efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing protocols.
- Understanding the dependence profile of ketamine is crucial for clinical application.
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