07/17/2025
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide.
While many people find relief through antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, some continue to struggle with ongoing symptoms despite multiple treatment attempts. This is known as treatment-resistant depression.
Someone with treatment-resistant depression has tried at least two different antidepressant medications or psychotherapy approaches for their current depressive episode, without achieving remission. They may have even tried combinations of medications and therapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, yet their depression persists. This does not mean treatment-resistant depression is untreatable, only that standard treatments have not been effective so far.
One of the most promising new treatments for treatment-resistant depression is ketamine. Ketamine is a medication that works very differently than traditional antidepressants. It affects the brain's glutamate system rather than serotonin, offering a novel way to potentially reverse depression symptoms.
Multiple research studies have shown ketamine to have rapid, robust effects on treatment resistant depression:
- Up to 70% of people with treatment resistant depression respond to ketamine.
- Effects can begin within hours, unlike the weeks of traditional antidepressants.
- Benefits may last up to 2 weeks after a single infusion.
- Ketamine may have anti-suicide effects, reducing thoughts of self-harm.
Ketamine is given through an intravenous infusion, allowing it to circulate quickly through the body. Side effects like dizziness, nausea and disorientation are usually mild and fade within hours. Ongoing ketamine therapy, along with psychotherapy, can help maintain remission of depression.
If you or a loved one have treatment-resistant depression, speak to your doctor about whether ketamine therapy may help.
