This study is designed to compare the effectiveness of two medications, Ketamine and Midazolam, for rapidly relieving suicidal thoughts in people suffering from bipolar depression.
Randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (n=16) comparing a single IV infusion of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg with midazolam 0.02 mg/kg for rapid reduction of suicidal ideation in bipolar depression.
Participants require voluntary inpatient admission to NYSPI for the infusion phase; follow-up includes weekly research interviews for 6 weeks; non-responders to midazolam may be offered an open ketamine infusion.
Single IV infusion of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg over ~40 minutes
Infusion over ~40 minutes
Single IV infusion of midazolam 0.02 mg/kg over ~40 minutes (active comparator); non-responders to midazolam may be offered open ketamine
Midazolam 0.02 mg/kg IV over ~40 minutes (active comparator)