Ketamine Proves Comparable to ECT for Treating Major Depression.
A new study has found that ketamine performs at least as well as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with treatment-resistant depression, suggesting it deserves consideration as a frontline response. While the potential benefits are comparable and ketamine is easier to administer than ECT, the addiction risks of long-term ketamine treatments aren’t well established, leading some physicians to urge caution. Ketamine is not approved as a depression treatment, despite evidence around its efficacy.