Ketamine Versus Placebo for Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Randomized, Double-blind Ketamine Augmentation in Chronically Suicidal, Treatment-resistant Major Depression

Ketamine infusions resulted in an acute reduction in global depression scores and in severity of suicidal ideation. The investigators therefore plan to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of repeated intravenous administration of ketamine in severely depressed, treatment resistant patients. The results of the study could lead to development of new strategies for treating depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Outpatient with sever treatment resistant depression
• Currently depressed
• Currently under regular psychiatric care
• On an aggressive antidepressant regimen, stable for 4 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• No history of other major psychiatric illness, including bipolar
• No history of psychosis
• No history of drug abuse
• No major medical illness or unstable medical problem