Understanding and Treating Suicidal Ideation With Ketamine
This study aims to discover if ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Participants will receive ketamine through a drip over two weeks. Alongside treatment, researchers will use special brain scans (MRI) to see how ketamine affects the brain. They will also talk to participants and use questionnaires to understand how feelings and thoughts change. The goal is to learn more about how ketamine works to reduce suicidal thoughts and potentially find new ways to help people at risk.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is trying to find new and faster ways to help people who are struggling with both severe depression (Major Depressive Disorder or MDD) and thoughts of suicide. It's a really important area because these thoughts can be very distressing and dangerous.
The main idea is to see if a medication called ketamine can quickly make these suicidal thoughts less intense. The study also wants to understand *how* ketamine might do this. To figure this out, the team will use a combination of methods: they'll look at changes in the brain using special scans, and they'll also chat with participants and use questionnaires to understand their feelings and experiences. By combining these approaches, the researchers hope to get a full picture of what's happening both in the body and mind.
The information gathered from this study could be very valuable. If ketamine proves effective, it might offer a rapid way to help people in crisis, giving them time to benefit from other longer-term therapies. Understanding the brain changes could also lead to new treatments or better ways to prevent suicide in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates ketamine for severe depression with suicidal thoughts.
- It aims to see if ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal ideation.
- Brain scans (MRI) and interviews will help understand how ketamine works.
- Participants receive four ketamine infusions over two weeks.
- The research hopes to find new ways to help people at risk of suicide.
- Your GP or psychiatrist will continue to provide care after the study.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old and speak English. You must have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and currently be having suicidal thoughts that are rated as a certain level of severity.
There are also some health conditions that would stop you from taking part. For example, if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious heart problems, severe kidney or liver issues, or certain other medical conditions, it might not be safe for you to receive ketamine. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, or a recent history of drug or alcohol misuse, you also wouldn't be able to join.
It's important that you don't have any medical reasons that would prevent you from having an MRI scan, and you can't be taking ketamine in any other form or currently having treatments like ECT or rTMS.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you speak English?
- Do you have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?
- Are you currently experiencing suicidal thoughts?
- Do you have a doctor who will look after you after the study finishes?
- Do you have any serious health conditions that might make ketamine unsafe for you?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will receive ketamine through a drip into your arm (intravenous or IV). This will happen four times in total, twice a week for two weeks. Before you start the ketamine treatment, and again after your fourth infusion, you will have two identical MRI brain scans. Getting an MRI involves lying still inside a scanner for a period of time.
Throughout the study, you'll also complete questionnaires about your thoughts of suicide and symptoms of depression. Some of these will happen before each MRI scan, and you'll also have a conversation (a qualitative interview) with a researcher within a few days of your last ketamine treatment. You'll need to keep taking any other regular medications at a stable dose. The total duration of active participation will be just over two weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health CentreVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is suicidal ideation?
Suicidal ideation means having thoughts about ending your own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting ideas to detailed plans.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition where a person experiences persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that affect their daily life for at least two weeks.
How is ketamine given?
In this study, ketamine is given through a drip into a vein in your arm, which means it goes directly into your bloodstream.
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain, without using X-rays.
Will I stop my other medications for depression?
No, you will need to continue taking your current medications for depression at a stable dose throughout the study.
How to find out more
Research Coordinator
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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