Study of Intravenous Ketamine Effects on Brain and Blood Chemicals in Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder to understand how changes in brain and blood levels of certain brain chemicals called GABA and glutamate relate to improvements in depression symptoms after receiving intravenous ketamine or a placebo. The study uses advanced imaging and blood tests to measure these chemicals and tracks depression changes using a recognized depression rating scale. The research also explores markers that might be linked to ketamine treatment response. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single intravenous infusion of racemic ketamine or a normal saline placebo over 40 minutes while undergoing MRI scanning. After this, all participants can choose to receive an open-label ketamine infusion 1 to 7 days later. The ketamine dose is calculated based on weight, with a maximum dose limit. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design aims to compare the effects of ketamine versus placebo on brain chemistry and depression. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including brain imaging, blood tests, and depression rating scales before, during, and up to 24 hours after infusion. Researchers will measure changes in brain and blood levels of GABA and glutamate, depression severity, and other related markers. Safety and side effects will be monitored throughout. Participants involvement includes clinical evaluations and optional follow-up treatments, with the study lasting from initial screening through post-infusion assessments.

Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression