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.
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
experimentalA standard induction series of six 1-hour ketamine infusions, with doses adjusted to achieve a psychotropic therapeutic response (PTR).
Interventions
- Ketamine1.94 mg/kgvia 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.