Ketamine for depressive symptoms: A retrospective chart review of a private ketamine clinic
Background: There is currently no published evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine, when administered intravenously as an adjunct treatment for depressive symptoms, in a real world setting in South Africa. Aim: This retrospective chart review reports...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2024-02-01
|
| Series: | South African Journal of Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/2176 |
| Summary: | Background: There is currently no published evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine, when administered intravenously as an adjunct treatment for depressive symptoms, in a real world setting in South Africa.
Aim: This retrospective chart review reports the clinical response (change in Patient Health Questionnaire – 7 score) to an initial infusion series of ketamine added to usual treatment, and the pattern of its subsequent maintenance use, for depressive symptoms.
Setting: A private ketamine clinic in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal.
Methods: The medical records of all patients who attended a private ketamine clinic between August 2019 and 31 May 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Depression symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) administered immediately before and 24 h after each treatment. Response was defined as a score decrease of more than 50%.
Results: Among the 154 patients who received ketamine infusions for depression, 67 completed a six infusion initial series, with a response rate of 60.6% and remission rate of 32.4%. Of the 154, 50% no longer experienced any suicidal ideation after treatment and adverse events were uncommon, with 6.2% of infusions requiring intervention for adverse events, mostly nausea. In addition, 48.5% of those who completed the initial series continued to receive maintenance infusions, with no evidence of escalating use or abuse.
Conclusion: Incorporating intravenous ketamine into the existing treatment regimens at a private clinic was associated with reduced acuteness of depression severity and suicidal ideation. This approach appeared safe and tolerable, showing no signs of abuse or dependence.
Contribution: This is the first known naturalistic study reporting on ketamine use for depressive symptoms in South Africa. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1608-9685 2078-6786 |