Ketamine Cures Depression | Study Review

Ketamine shows potential as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder that is resistant to common antidepressant medications. Low-dose intravenous ketamine induces positive effects within hours for patients who have failed multiple prior interventions. The mechanism of action is currently debated but appears to involve glutamate signaling and possibly the ketamine metabolite hydroxynorketamine as a driver of antidepressant activity rather than the NMDA receptor antagonism previously assumed. Research indicates that ketamine functions as a temporary relief for depressive symptoms rather than a permanent cure. Patients typically require ongoing treatment to maintain improvements. Current clinical trials require rigorous safety and exclusion criteria, such as excluding individuals with a history of substance abuse or severe psychiatric disorders.