Rapid Resolution of Suicidal Ideation after a Single Infusion of an NMDA Antagonist in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Objective—Suicidal ideation is a medical emergency, especially when severe. Little research has been done on pharmacological interventions that could address this problem. Ketamine, an Nmethyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, has been reported to have antidepressant effects within hours. We examined the effects of a single dose of ketamine on suicidal ideation in subjects with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). Method—Thirty-three subjects with DSM-IV-diagnosed MDD received a single open-label infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and rated at baseline, 40, 80, 120, and 230 minutes post-infusion with the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results—Suicidal ideation scores decreased significantly on the SSI as well as on the suicide subscales of other rating instruments within 40 minutes; these decreases remained significant through the first four hours post-infusion (p<.001). Ten subjects (30%) had a SSI score 4 at baseline, and all dropped below a score of 4 (nine by 40 minutes and one by 80 minutes). For those starting below a score of 4 on the SSI, only one reached a score of 4. Depression, anxiety, and hopelessness were significantly improved at all time points (p<.001). Conclusion—Suicidal ideation in the context of MDD improved within 40 minutes of a ketamine infusion and remained improved for up to four hours post-infusion. Future studies with ketamine in suicidal ideation are warranted due to its potential impact on public health.