Use of Ketamine to Enhance Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Depression

This randomised, parallel-group pilot study compared ketamine versus methohexital anaesthesia in patients receiving ECT for major depressive episodes to assess antidepressant efficacy and acute cognitive side-effects.

Outcomes included depression rating scales, cognitive assessments, seizure duration/morphology, and haemodynamic and behavioural responses; ketamine dosing was 1–2 mg/kg IV and methohexital 1 mg/kg IV as indicated for ECT.