Rapid relief of severe major depressive disorder by use of preoperative ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy.
Major depressive disorder is a difficult-to-treat and recurrent debilitating disorder. All approved somatic treatments for major depression to date require a significant time lapse before demonstrating an antidepressant effect. However, emerging evidence indicates a potential role for the use of ketamine to rapidly relieve symptoms of major depression. We present a case of severe, recurrent major depressive disorder that demonstrated marked improvement within 8 hours of receiving a preoperative dose of ketamine and 1 treatment of electroconvulsive therapy with bitemporal electrode placement. This case is supportive of a role of ketamine in relieving symptoms of major depressive disorder rapidly and safely.
Goforth
Harold W
HW
Duke University Medical Center, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Harold.Goforth@duke.edu
Holsinger
Tracey
T
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007649:Ketamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D007649:Ketamine