Development of Ketamine Administration as a Treatment for Chronic PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, and disabling condition for which currently available pharmacotherapies are insufficiently effective. Ketamine, which is a glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has emerged as a promising and rapid-acting novel treatment intervention for this disorder. Findings from a proof-of-concept, randomized, controlled crossover study of single-dose intravenous ketamine administration (compared to single-dose midazolam) in patients with chronic PTSD suggest that ketamine is associated with rapid improvement in core PTSD symptoms and comorbid depressive symptoms, and is generally well tolerated. Additional research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for patients with PTSD. Results from ongoing trials of repeated intravenous administration for PTSD are expected to yield more definitive evidence. Potential mechanisms of action as well as future research directions are discussed.