Retrospective data analysis to determine the effectiveness of intravenous ketamine therapy on patients suffering from depression with suicidal ideation

BACKGROUND: Depression is often a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder. Depression with suicidal ideation, being a psychiatric emergency, often needs intensive intervention such as Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT may be refused because of stigma and perceived risk. Intravenous ketamine therapy, being an alternative to ECT for quick response compared to routine pharmaco-therapy, is analyzed to determine its effectiveness. METHODS: Among patients suffering from depression with suicidal ideation, intravenous ketamine therapy is routinely offered as an alternative to ECT to the needy in the Department of Psychiatry affiliated with a teaching institute. There is a standard operative procedure laid down for ketamine therapy. Baseline and periodical assessment of depression by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and suicidality by Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a part of it. Taking advantage of it, retrospective data analysis was done to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. RESULT: Significant improvement of depression and suicidality found at all the evaluation points after intravenous ketamine therapy. CONCLUSION: Intravenous ketamine therapy is an effective alternative to ECT among patients suffering from depression with suicidal ideation.