The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Jan 2020
Meta AnalysisKetamine for suicidal ideation in adults with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment trials.
Ketamine may reduce suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant depression. But it is not known how quickly this occurs and how long it persists. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the short- and long-term effectiveness of ketamine for suicidality. ⋯ A single infusion of ketamine may have a short-term (up to 72 hours) beneficial impact on suicidal thoughts. While confirmation of these results in further trials is needed, they suggest possible use of ketamine to treat acute suicidality. Means of sustaining any anti-suicidal effect need to be found.