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2018 · Meta-analysis

Wilkinson et al. 2018 - ketamine and suicidal ideation

The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation: meta-analysis

Written by: Ira ZootMedical review status: Not yet clinically reviewed.Last updated: June 4, 2026Evidence: Wilkinson ST et al.. American Journal of Psychiatry, 2018.

This page has been written and edited by the publisher. It has not been reviewed by a licensed clinician.

Quick answer
Why this study matters
Helped establish ketamine's potential role for rapid reduction of suicidal ideation - a major unmet need in psychiatry.
Population
Individual patient data from 10 studies, 167 patients
Intervention
Single IV ketamine
Comparator
Saline or midazolam
Primary outcome
Suicidal ideation scores

Key findings

  • Rapid reduction in suicidal ideation within 24 hours
  • Effect partially independent of antidepressant effect
  • Sustained up to 7 days in many patients

Limitations

  • Heterogeneous protocols
  • Not designed for safety endpoints
  • Inpatient-skewed samples

Read the original study →

Disclaimer
Educational summary only. A single study - even a landmark one - does not establish clinical practice. Discuss treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.
About the author
Ira Zoot

Publisher and editor of Ketalux, based in Chicago, Illinois. Ira is a ketamine therapy patient, not a clinician. This is editorial review, not medical review: Ira is not a licensed clinician and does not provide diagnosis or medical care. Ketalux does not accept compensation from providers in exchange for favorable editorial coverage, evidence ratings, recommendations, patient referrals, or organic provider ranking. Read the full publisher disclosure →

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.