Ketamine Use for Suicidal Ideation in the General Hospital: Case Report and Short Review
Baup, E., Lefebvre, D., Lemogne, C., Limosin, F., Passeron, A., Rieutord, M., Seigneurie, A. S., Thauvin, I., Vulser, C., Vulser, H.
This case report (n=1) describes an anorexic patient who was treated with repeated dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, 20mg) following a suicide attempt and persevering suicidal ideation (SI). Although the first dose had little effect, the second dose administered 2 weeks after led to a dramatic decrease in depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation.
Abstract
Introduction: Low-dose infusion of ketamine may have rapid antisuicide properties. Such a treatment may therefore be useful in the general hospital to prevent suicide in an environment that cannot be made safe enough.Results: We report on the use of ketamine as an efficient, well-tolerated treatment for persistent suicidal ideation in a patient hospitalized in a general hospital after a severe suicide attempt.Discussion: Based on data in the literature, we suggest that the benefit-risk ratio for ketamine use in such a context is highly favorable.