Yale University and ketamine research
Research demonstrates ketamine promotes synaptic plasticity and growth of new neural connections.
Overview
Yale School of Medicine researchers were among the first to demonstrate ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in the early 2000s and have since led foundational work on the glutamate system, NMDA receptor pharmacology, and how rapid-acting interventions restructure synaptic connections in mood-regulating brain regions.
Key contributions
- First human evidence of ketamine's rapid antidepressant action (Berman et al., 2000)
- Foundational research on glutamate signaling in depression
- Mechanistic work on synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine regrowth
- Ongoing clinical trials across depression, PTSD, and suicidality
Selected studies
Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients
Landmark trial first demonstrating rapid antidepressant response to a single ketamine infusion.
Synaptic dysfunction in depression: potential therapeutic targets
Review of how rapid-acting agents restore synaptic connectivity in stress-affected circuits.
Visit the institution
Learn more directly from Yale University at https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut, 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.