National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ketamine research
Clinical trials indicate ketamine's effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
Overview
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the NIH, has funded and conducted some of the most rigorous clinical trials on ketamine for depression, bipolar depression, and acute suicidal ideation. NIH-supported research underpins much of the modern evidence base for rapid-acting antidepressants.
Key contributions
- Large-scale clinical trials on efficacy and safety in treatment-resistant depression
- Research on biomarkers predicting treatment response
- Studies on long-term outcomes with repeated dosing
- Investigation of ketamine for acute suicidal ideation
Selected studies
Ketamine for treatment-resistant major depression
NIMH-led trial confirming robust, rapid antidepressant effect in patients who had failed prior treatments.
Effects of ketamine on suicidal ideation
Evidence that a single infusion can reduce suicidal thoughts within hours in high-risk patients.
Visit the institution
Learn more directly from NIH at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/.
Location: Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Studies listed here are representative and not exhaustive. For full literature, consult PubMed or the institution's own publications.
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.