Randomised, placebo-controlled trial in active-duty military patients hospitalised for suicidal thinking (planned n=40) comparing a single IV bolus of ketamine 0.2 mg/kg versus placebo, with acute monitoring and follow-up to 10 weeks.
Background: Sub-anesthetic IV ketamine has shown rapid reductions in suicidal ideation in prior studies; this trial tests a single 0.2 mg/kg IV bolus in military patients hospitalised for suicidal thinking.
Design: Randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparison of ketamine versus placebo with acute monitoring for 240 minutes post-dose and follow-up assessments at next day, discharge, 2 weeks and 10 weeks; safety surveillance via electronic medical record for up to one year.
Single IV bolus of ketamine 0.2 mg/kg with monitoring of suicidal thinking and mood.
Rapid IV bolus; acute monitoring for 240 minutes post-dose
Placebo IV bolus with identical monitoring schedule.
Saline placebo administered as IV bolus