Ketamine Therapy in Complex Cases: A Cautionary Tale of Exacerbated Personality Traits and the Crucial Role of Comprehensive Follow-Up and Psychosocial Interventions.
Case reports in psychiatry January 1, 2024 Jai Ahuja, Luba Leontieva
A 75-year-old woman with treatment-resistant depression experienced an unexpected increase in suicidal ideation after ketamine infusion therapy. Although ketamine is known to effectively treat depression and acute suicidality, this patient's condition worsened. Her complex background included psychosocial stressors, a genetic predisposition to depression, and personality traits that may have influenced her response. The case highlights the need for cautious administration of ketamine, particularly in patients with personality disorders, and underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans in mental health care.