title: Should ketamine be used for the clinical treatment of depression?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There has been widespread interest from the public and media in the potential of ketamine as a novel treatment for depression. This paper reviews whether current evidence supports the use of ketamine for the clinical treatment of depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical trials have investigated the use of intravenous ketamine for the treatment of depressive symptoms over the past 15 years. However, there remain many unanswered questions regarding its effectiveness, safety, and the route, dose and regimen for repeated administration. Experts have also raised concerns regarding ketamine's adverse effects, abuse potential and the risk of addiction. At this stage, the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression remains in the realm of research settings.
authors: Turning Point, Eastern Health and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia Shalini.arunogiri@monash.edu.
authors: Shalini
authors: S
authors: Arunogiri
authors: Monash University and Centre of Mental Health Education and Research at Delmont Private Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Nicholas A
authors: NA
authors: Keks
authors: Monash University, Eastern Health and Centre of Mental Health Education and Research at Delmont Private Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Hope
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D007649:Ketamine
keywords: depression; ketamine; pharmacotherapy