Key takeaway
A randomized trial found repeated ketamine infusions reduced PTSD symptoms more than an active placebo.
Background PTSD can be difficult to treat, and many people continue to have symptoms after therapy and medication. Researchers have been studying whether ketamine can help.
The study In a 2021 randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Psychiatry (Feder et al.), 30 adults with chronic PTSD received six IV infusions over two weeks of either ketamine or midazolam, an active placebo.
Results - The ketamine group showed significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptom severity. - About two-thirds of ketamine patients met response criteria, versus roughly one in five in the comparison group. - Improvements included intrusive memories, avoidance and negative mood. - Among responders, benefit lasted a median of about four weeks after the final infusion.
Takeaway The findings are encouraging but come from a small trial. Larger studies are under way, including research in veterans. Ketamine for PTSD is considered off-label and is often paired with ongoing therapy.
Source: Feder A, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2021;178(2):193-202. Educational only, not medical advice.
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