A recent study from Columbia University suggests that ketamine, a drug often used to treat severe depression, could quickly reduce suicidal thoughts while also improving thinking and decision-making. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, provides hope for people struggling with suicidal thoughts, particularly during moments of crisis.
The study involved 78 adults who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and were experiencing strong suicidal thoughts. Each participant received a standard dose of ketamine through an IV, and researchers observed the effects within 24 hours.
The results were striking. Not only did ketamine reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts, but it also helped participants think more clearly and make better decisions. The researchers found that this improvement in cognitive abilities played a key role in reducing suicidal impulses, even when overall depression symptoms did not improve as much.
Dr. John Mann and his team, who led the study, noted that ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. While most antidepressants take weeks to show effects, ketamine acts much faster. This makes it a potentially lifesaving option in emergency situations where someone is at high risk of self-harm.
To test how well ketamine worked, the study also included a comparison group that received midazolam, a sedative used to treat anxiety and depression. The results showed that ketamine provided significantly greater improvements in both mood and thinking abilities.
People who received ketamine were better at reasoning and decision-making—two abilities that are often impaired in individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is a serious public health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death for people aged 10–34 in the United States and the 10th leading cause of death overall.
Research indicates that 90% of people who die by suicide have a psychiatric illness, and 60% experience a major depressive episode before their attempt. These statistics highlight the urgent need for treatments that work quickly to reduce suicidal thoughts.
Although ketamine is not yet approved by the FDA specifically for treating suicidal ideation, it is already being used off-label in many treatment centers across the U.S.
The findings from this study help scientists better understand how ketamine affects the brain, particularly in improving the distorted thinking patterns that often accompany depression and suicidal thoughts.
By offering fast relief, ketamine could become a crucial tool for mental health professionals treating people in crisis. Its ability to reduce both suicidal thoughts and cognitive impairments could save lives and provide a clearer path to recovery for those in their most vulnerable moments.
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