Intra-nasal vs. Intra-venous Ketamine Administration

Intra-nasal vs. Intra-venous Ketamine Administration as an add-on to Antidepressant Therapy

The current study wishes to contribute to the applicability of the use of ketamine in a clinical setting by focusing on the efficacy of intra-nasal administration compared with the IV route.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65
2. Diagnosis of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), made or affirmed by a senior psychiatrist in Shalvata
3. MADRS score > 20
4. Treated with conventional anti-depressant, administered within a formal psychiatric clinic or by a certified psychiatrist.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active or past psychotic disorder, including a history of psychotic affective state
2. Mental Retardation or Autistic Spectrum Disorder
3. Prominent personality disorder
4. Cardiac or neurologic active medical condition, including past CVA/TIA (Cardiovascular Accident/Transient Ischemic Attack) or any other unstable medical condition.
5. Chronic nasal congestion
6. Active or recent drug or alcohol abuse
7. Substantial suicidality in a patient requiring admission but refuses to do so, and signs an "against medical advice" release form as part of clinical evaluation, and does not answer the terms for involuntary admission.