A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found that individuals with treatment-resistant depression saw cognitive improvements after receiving ketamine infusions. The study, which followed participants for five weeks after four rounds of treatment, found that improvements in cognitive functioning persisted independently of the antidepressant response.
Depression is a debilitating mental health disorder that impacts millions of individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 322 million people suffer from depression, and for about 30% of individuals, symptoms persist even after multiple rounds of treatment.
Ketamine, which is typically used as an anesthetic and analgesic, has shown promise as a potential treatment for those with treatment-resistant depression. Research has indicated that ketamine may reduce symptoms of depression in 60%-70% of individuals with treatment-resistant depression and may also have an effect on cognitive impairments associated with the disorder.
The study, authored by Artemis Zavaliangos-Petropulu and colleagues, included 66 adult participants with treatment-resistant depression. The participants underwent a series of ketamine infusions over a 14-day period and completed neurocognitive assessments before and after the treatment.
Results of the study showed significant improvements in working memory, processing speed, episodic memory, and overall neurocognitive performance following the ketamine infusions. The participants also saw modest improvements in language, attention, and inhibition. Importantly, the enhancements in cognitive function persisted for five weeks after the conclusion of the treatment.
While the study’s findings are significant, the authors note that the research has limitations. The study did not include a control group, and participants were aware of the treatment they were undergoing. Additionally, the participants completed the same test battery multiple times, raising the possibility that observed effects may be due to practice rather than the treatment itself.
The authors emphasize the need for further research to better understand the cognitive effects of ketamine infusions in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The paper, “Neurocognitive effects of subanesthetic serial ketamine infusions in treatment-resistant depression,” sheds light on the potential cognitive benefits of ketamine treatment but also highlights the need for additional research to confirm and expand on these findings.