Ketamine augmentation of electroconvulsive therapy to improve neuropsychological and clinical outcomes in depression (Ketamine-ECT): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial -

Ketamine augmentation of electroconvulsive therapy to improve neuropsychological and clinical outcomes in depression (Ketamine-ECT): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: The Lancet Psychiatry
Specialities: Mental health and illness
Summary
Small RCT (n=79) found no evidence of benefit for ketamine (no difference vs. placebo on Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised delayed verbal recall) and concludes results do not support use of adjunctive low-dose ketamine in routine ECT treatment.
UKMi comment
According to a commentary, the scientific literature on combined use of ketamine in ECT comprises over 130 articles, but definitive studies are few. It notes that an adequately powered and well-designed study to test both the cognitive and antidepressant effects of ketamine in conjunction with ECT remains elusive and unlikely to receive funding support.
Related links: Comment