The objective of this double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study is to determine whether a single sub-anesthetic rapid IV bolus dose of ketamine administered to acutely depressed patients with or without suicidality has a significant rapid antidepressant effect in the acutely depressed population.
Randomised, placebo-controlled ED study comparing a single rapid IV bolus of ketamine (0.2 mg/kg over 1–2 minutes) with saline in acutely depressed admitted patients; acute outcomes measured at 40, 80, 120 and 240 minutes.
Primary outcomes are change in depressive and suicidal ideation scales (BSS, BHS) acutely; secondary outcome is sustained reduction in BDI at 2 weeks. Participants are medically monitored for at least 240 minutes then admitted to psychiatric ward for ≥24 hours and reassessed prior to discharge and at two weeks.
Single subanesthetic IV bolus ketamine given in ED prior to psychiatric admission; outcomes assessed acutely and at 2 weeks.
Rapid IV bolus administered over 1–2 minutes; monitoring for 240 minutes.
Normal saline IV bolus equal volume to ketamine.
0.9% normal saline bolus equal volume to active dose.