This study will explore whether the use of a medication, ketamine, can help patients who come to the ER with thoughts of suicide by improving their mood and reducing thoughts of suicide.
This prospective open-label feasibility pilot study enrolled 20 participants presenting to the emergency department with active suicidal ideation to receive a single IV ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes).
Primary aims were feasibility (recruitment, tolerability, acceptability) and exploratory assessment of mood and suicidal ideation at baseline, 2 and 6 hours post-infusion, and daily while awaiting inpatient disposition.
Patients were monitored by ED staff for adverse events; data collected included surveys of suicidal thinking and mood, demographics, current medications, and medical history.
Single-group open-label infusion of intravenous ketamine 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes for patients with active suicidal ideation in the ED.
Infused over 40 minutes; dose based on weight.