Clinical TrialPTSDKetamineCompleted

High-Dose IV Ketamine Infusion for Combat-Related PTSD in Veterans: Prospective Observational Case Series (Ross 2019, Ann Clin Psychiatry)

This unregistered trial (n=30) was a prospective observational case series of titrated IV ketamine infusions for combat-related PTSD in US military veterans, which demonstrated significant reductions in both PTSD and depressive symptoms.

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Target Enrollment
30 participants
Study Type
interventional
Design
Non-randomized

Detailed Description

This synthetic trial has been added to our database because a psychedelic paper (about a clinical trial) references this trial, but no (live) registration can be found.

The study evaluated 30 US military combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Participants received a series of six 1-hour intravenous ketamine infusions over a two-to-three-week period. Doses were individually titrated to achieve a psychotropic therapeutic response, aiming to induce a transpersonal dissociative experience.

Clinical outcomes were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Results indicated significant improvements in both PTSD and depressive symptoms following the induction series. While self-reported substance use showed a downward trend, the change did not reach statistical significance.

Study Arms & Interventions

Ketamine infusion

experimental

A standard induction series of six 1-hour ketamine infusions, with doses adjusted to achieve a psychotropic therapeutic response (PTR).

Interventions

  • Ketamine1.94 mg/kg
    via IV• six 1-hour infusions over a 2-to 3-week period• 6 doses total

    First infusion began at 1 mg/kg (max 60 mg); subsequent doses were adjusted based on patient response to achieve PTR. Mean dose was 1.94 mg/kg.

Study Protocol, Arms & Participants

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Study Details

  • Status
    Completed
  • Type
    interventional
  • Design
    Non-randomized
  • Target Enrollment30 participants
  • Timeline
    Start: 2017-01-01
    End: 2019-01-01
  • Compound
    Ketamine
  • Topic
    PTSD

Locations

United States

Related Publications

PaywallindividualPrimary

High-dose ketamine infusion for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in combat veterans.

In an observational study of 30 combat veterans, six high‑dose 1‑hour ketamine infusions targeting a transpersonal dissociative experience produced large, statistically significant reductions in depressive (PHQ mean 18.9→9.5) and PTSD symptoms (PCL‑5 mean 56.2→31.3), while self‑reported substance use did not significantly change. These results suggest high‑dose ketamine infusion therapy may be a promising treatment for combat‑related PTSD and warrant controlled trials to confirm efficacy and clarify mechanisms.

Published
Journal
American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists
Authors
Ross, C., Jain, R., Bonnett, C. J., Wolfson, P. E.

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