Serial ketamine infusions not effective as adjunctive care for depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update January 24, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/pu.31401 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA randomized trial found that up to eight infusions of ketamine were not more effective than a psychoactive placebo (midazolam) in reducing depressive symptoms among patients receiving inpatient treatment for depression. Patients receiving ketamine also showed no improvement relative to those receiving midazolam on measures of cognition and quality of life. The results suggest that ketamine does not provide additional benefit over a psychoactive placebo in this inpatient setting.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients receiving inpatient treatment for depression |
| Interventions | Ketamine Midazolam |
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Depression economics Placebo Midazolam Randomized controlled trial |
| Key finding | Up to eight infusions of ketamine were not more effective than a psychoactive placebo (midazolam) in reducing depressive symptoms or improving cognition and quality of life in patients receiving inpatient treatment for depression. |
Abstract
Up to eight infusions of ketamine were not more effective than a psychoactive placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients receiving inpatient treatment for depression, a randomized trial has found. Patients receiving ketamine also showed no improvement relative to those receiving midazolam on measures of cognition and quality of life. Study results were published online Oct. 22, 2025 in JAMA Psychiatry .